How to sign up through Vocational Rehabilitation
Most youth and adults come to NDCS through Florida's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Here's a step-by-step guide — written especially for students and their parents or guardians — to help you connect with VR and begin services.
The VR sign-up process, step by step
Youth can often begin exploring services while still in high school through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). A parent, guardian, or school transition team can take part at every step.
- 1
Express interest
Reach out to NDCS or your school's transition team, or contact the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation directly. Youth can often begin exploring services while still in high school through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
- 2
Gather documentation
Collect what VR needs to determine eligibility — typically proof of disability (an IEP, 504 Plan, or medical/psychological documentation), a photo ID or birth certificate, and Social Security information.
- 3
Apply & connect with VR
Submit a VR application and meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. For students, a parent or guardian can take part in this meeting to help share goals and needs.
- 4
Determine eligibility & plan
Your VR Counselor confirms eligibility and works with you to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that identifies your employment goal and the services to reach it.
- 5
Receive a referral / Service Authorization
Ask your VR Counselor to refer you to New Direction Career Services. VR issues a Service Authorization that authorizes NDCS to begin working with you.
- 6
Begin services with NDCS
Once authorized, NDCS meets with you one-on-one to build a personalized plan and start training, work-based learning, or employment services.
You can learn more or apply directly through the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Already have a VR Counselor? Ask them to refer you to New Direction Career Services. Not sure where to begin? Contact us and we’ll help you take the first step.
If you are not going through VR
Not everyone comes to us through Vocational Rehabilitation. If a school, an agency, or you yourself is starting the conversation, this is what happens instead — and it is shorter.
Contact NDCS or submit a referral
Send us a message or have a school, agency, or VR counselor make a referral.
Complete intake & eligibility review
We talk through the participant's interests, goals, and situation and confirm program fit.
Develop an individualized plan
We build a customized plan around the participant's strengths, goals, and support needs.
Begin services
Start training, work-based learning, or employment services with support from the NDCS team.
Youth eligibility at a glance
Our Youth Workforce Development Program generally serves students who meet the definition of a Student with a Disability under IDEA and WIOA. Typical criteria include:
- Between the ages of 14 and 21
- Enrolled in formal secondary or postsecondary education
- Documented disability documentation such as an IEP, IPE, 504 Plan, or other acceptable documentation
Stuck on a step?
Most families get stuck somewhere between the VR application and the Service Authorization. If that is where you are, call and we will walk that part with you.
Call (727) 906-1845