OPI and VR collaboration in Montana

The Office of Public Instruction and Vocational Rehabilitation are working together to improve communication and collaboration between schools and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors. Students with Special Education Individual Education Plans, Section 504 plans, or other circumstances that may make them eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services need to be guided to the appropriate counselor for their geographical area of the state. Special Education teachers managing transition planning for students may also determine that it is appropriate to invite a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to an IEP meeting or to facilitate an initial contact between student and counselor. In an effort to make this process easier, Vocational Rehabilitation has specifically designated a VR counselor for each high school in Montana who will provide contact and service when appropriate. This list is available on-line at: www.dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/transitions/transitionslist.pdf or by using the following link http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/SpecEd/06VRCounselors.pdf. A brochure regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for your reference is also available by using the following link: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/SpecEd/VRTransBrochure.pdf.