| The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the public vocational rehabilitation program's guiding authority. In the service of students with disabilities, WIOA acts in concert with two other laws: - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- The American's with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The key principles and provisions of each are outlined below. WIOA of 2014 WIOA maintains all the principles of the original Rehabilitation Act (see principles below) and adds: - Improved alignment of partner programs(VR, Education, Labor)
- Streamlined service delivery from partner programs to shared consumers
- Competitive Integrated Employment, an expectationfor all who live with disabilities
- Pre-Employment Transition Services to better help youth with disabilities prepare for high-quality employment
- Business Services to help employers meet their workforce needs with qualified employees, including those with disabilities
IDEA of 1975 IDEA safeguards the rights of eligible children with disabilities to the specially designed instruction and the supports they need to benefit from public education. IDEA's foundational principles include: - Free and appropriate education (FAPE)— a quality education, offered at no cost to the family, tailored to the unique needs of students ages 3 to 21
- Individualized education—instruction is personalized to the student's unique learning needs, and progress is driven by measurable goals reviewed regularly
- Least restrictive environment—"to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are…educated with children who are not disabled." Students have meaningful access to same-age peers in everyday educational activities, including art, PE, school trips, etc.
- Full participation in decision-making—parents and students must be informed of their rights, including their right to decide on their child's education plan.
ADA of 1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including: - Places of Employment
- Public Services by State and Local Governments (e.g., schools)
- Public Services by Private Entities open to the public (e.g., restaurants)
- Telecommunications, and
- Public Transportation
Together, these Acts stipulate the requirements with which VR programs, education programs, and employers must comply. Rich in civil rights values, these laws—like a compass—point us to the true north by which we set our service delivery course. Our true north is the inclusion, empowerment, and independence of youth with disabilities. It's critical that VR professionals working with youth with disabilitiesinstill the highlighted principles of each act into their philosophy and daily practice. It's what makes the VR professional unique and better prepared to help youth with disabilities advocate for themselves in school and work. |
