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Special Education

        Popular work-experience options for students with disabilities are the Community-Based Vocational Education Programs (CBVEP's). As with the programs previously outlined for regular education students, the coordinator of CBVEP's must be knowledgeable about federal and State regulations, employment certificates, the Fair Labor Standards Act, State and federal wage and hour regulations, fringe benefits, prohibited occupations, etc. Additionally, when work-experience opportunities are provided for special education students, there are many other needs and requirements to consider.


Community-Based Vocational Education Programs (CBVEP's)

There are specific guidelines that the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor have jointly developed for school districts to use when providing non-paid, community-based vocational education/training programs for students with disabilities. In general, such programs should be designed as a continuum of learning and permit students age 14 and above to engage in:

        • Vocational exploration - 5 hours per job experienced
        • Vocational assessment - 90 hours per job experienced
        • Vocational training - 120 hours per job experienced

        Ideally, upon completing one, all, or any combination of the three components, depending upon the student’s needs, he/she would be prepared to move into a paid work-experience program, or upon high school graduation – obtain regular or supported employment. Options will vary, depending on student experiences, abilities, and interests.

        For further information about Community-Based Vocational Education Programs for students with disabilities, please contact Joanne LaCrosse, 518-486-7509, New York State Education Department, Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Room 1609, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12234.