VESID
A FEW FACTS ABOUT VESID IN TWO MINUTES OR LESS
What is VESID?
VESID stands for Vocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities and is an agency with the NYS Education Department.
Who is eligible for VESID services?
Many students who have an IEP may be eligible for VESID services, but not all students classified by the CSE qualify for VESID. Additionally, students with disabilities who fall under Section 504 but are not classified, may also qualify for VESID; unlike special education services at the secondary level, VESID is NOT an entitlement service. Therefore students must apply for services. An individualized eligibility determination is made for each applicant, based on the nature of his/her disability and its functional limitations related to employment.
What does VESID do?
VESID provides vocational rehabilitation services to assist individuals with disabilities, including students transitioning from high school, to become employed. Services vary depending on what each individual needs, but can include vocational counseling and guidance, assistance with training and employment, job placement, job coaching and other related services such as assistive technology.
How are services through VESID determined and delivered?
Once a student is determined eligible for VESID, s/he will work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to develop an Individualize Plan for Employment (IPE). This plan outlines the employment goal, steps to achieve it and necessary services and supports that will be arranged through VESID.
Is there a cost for VESID services?
VESID services are provided free of charge, however, financial need is required for some services.
What if I have more questions about VESID?
Every high school in the WNY area has a VESID counselor assigned to work with students in transition, and each district should have designated personnel to help make appropriate referrals to VESID. Any questions about VESID can be addressed by contacting the WNY VESID office at 508 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, 1-888-652-7062, Fax:
716-848-8103, TTY: 716-848-8105. You can also use the following address to send an email to anyone at the Buffalo VESID office. If you would like it to be directed to a specific person, please put their name in the “Subject” line. VESIDbuff@mail.nysed.gov
So, let’s begin.
As postsecondary professionals, the members of the WNY Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates (better known as CCDA) recognize that shopping for a college is every bit as intimidating as shopping for that first computer, with much more at stake. The purpose of this guide is to give accurate information, practical suggestions and options to consider. Different sections are addressed to primary audiences. For example the legal section is written to parents and professionals. The reality of college is written to students and also to parents. Don’t skip those sections because you think they don’t apply to you—they do. But the message carries particular weight for the target audience. Because of this, you will notice that we change voice from talking about students in the 3rd person (the student . . .) to talking to students (you . . .). The same is true with parents and professionals. You are partners in the process. Some parents and professionals have gone through the college search with other children or students and are familiar with the process; what needs to known here are the disability issues that must be considered. For those who have never been through the process before, this guide can assist in working through it. Whether the student is in seventh grade or is a senior in high school, ECP has provided tools to help. We hope that like several thousand parents, teachers and professionals across NYS and the US you will find this guide helpful.