Vocational Education Models for Linking Agencies Serving the Handicapped. Model Development Report.

Overview & Synopsis

Three states--Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia--served as model states for a project on vocational education models for linking agencies serving the handicapped. Using a multi-agency team with members representing vocational education, special education, rehabilitation, guidance, and other agencies at the state level, each state developed a state interagency linkage model. The Maryland model for establishing and improving interagency linkages is based on a manual entitled "Cooperative Planning for the Handicapped; Resource Manual." In addition, the Maryland model includes a series of 13 learning modules that provide vocational teachers with training about the educational needs of handicapped students. Designed to provide a framework for local agency representatives to use when establishing and implementing cooperative agreements, the New Jersey model places major emphasis at the county-local level. The following six major areas were addressed by developers of the New Jersey model: vocational education, health, skill development, transportation, job placement, and support services. The Virginia model involves formal written agreements developed between the Department of Education and the Department of Rehabilitative Services in the following areas: vocational education, special education, and rehabilitative services. (MN)