One of 14 paths
The same paths as everyone else, with more help added.
The extra help can be funding, coaching, or a bridge into work, school, or living on your own.
It fits if you have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a disability and want structured help into work or school.
Watch for: what's open varies a lot by state, so ask early.
Each scale shows its level and the reason, and "our read" marks a judgment call.
What's open varies a lot by state.
It depends on the program.
It depends on the path you choose.
Level: A few requirements, 2 of 5
No degree needed, and what's open depends on your state and situation.
Level: Mostly easy, 2 of 5
These are ordinary paths with extra help added, so switching mostly means changing the path.
Level: Some new, 2 of 5
It follows the path you choose, with extra help added along the way.
In Project SEARCH, you spend a school year at a workplace and rotate through three internships. It's for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In an inclusive college program approved by the Education Department, at least half of it is classes, internships, or work-based training alongside people without disabilities.
You don't need a degree. School transition programs can run as late as age 21, depending on your state. An IEP has to include goals for life after high school, starting with the plan in effect when you turn 16. If you're in the right age range, you can start pre-employment transition services in high school. They include job exploration counseling and work-based learning, and you don't have to be in Vocational Rehabilitation yet. If you have an intellectual disability, federal aid for an approved inclusive college program doesn't require a high school diploma or GED.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Project SEARCH both aim for competitive integrated employment. That's a real job alongside coworkers without disabilities, with pay and benefits like theirs for similar work. Project SEARCH aims to have a follow-up plan ready before you graduate, and if you land a job, follow-up services continue to help you keep it. An approved inclusive college program teaches academic, career, and independent living skills to get you ready for work.
A Vocational Rehabilitation plan can change if your job goal, services, or providers change, once you and a counselor both sign. While you're still in school, the plan has to line up with your IEP or 504 services. If you move to another state, ask again, since what you can use depends on the state.
Pick one to try this month. Trying a thing isn't choosing it.
Put these to a program or to someone who's been in one.
We couldn't find a public story for this path that fit our rules. The stories page has a made-up example instead, labeled as made up and built from facts on this page.
A story like this can't tell you what's likely for you.
Rules and funding vary by state and by program, so check them at the source.
These three paths are close to this one, and their pages use the same scales.
It fits if you're unsure of a major, want options open, or plan to transfer later.
It fits if you want training and support, and do well with structure and help finding work.
It fits if you want income, or you're not ready for more school.