Department of Education collaborative agreement

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Vocational Rehabilitation Program/
Department of Education Collaborative Agreement
In 1994, as a result of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, then Governor Zell Miller announced the availability of federal funds to provide additional rehabilitation services to high school students with disabilities. The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program and the Department of Education (DOE) agreed to access these funds via a system of voluntary collaborative agreements.
The VR/DOE Collaborative Agreements provide dedicated, concentrated vocational rehabilitation services to local school systems. The goal is to increase successful transition outcomes for students with disabilities. Outcomes may include post-secondary education, job training, employment, or volunteer work. Since the inception of the Collaborative Agreements, approximately 82 local school systems have taken advantage of this opportunity.
Participation in a collaborative agreement is optional and requires the local school system to provide funds equaling 21.3% to match 78.7% of federal VR funds. The process to establish or renew a collaborative agreement generally begins in January or earlier; both agencies have responsibilities.
At the regional level, the VR Program initiates conversations with local school systems regarding the needs of students with disabilities and the benefits of applying for or renewing a collaborative agreement. Discussions include expectations, responsibilities, and financial requirements for both parties.
The DOE invites schools to apply for or renew a collaborative agreement effective the following July. Included with the memorandum are a sample agreement, a billing information sheet, and a signature page. The local school superintendent completes and signs the packet and forwards it to the VR regional director for signature.
The approved agreements are reviewed and signed by the VR Program director and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency director. A copy is sent to the VR regional director for distribution to the local school system superintendent, the VR Unit Manager, and others as appropriate. Separate budgets are set up for each agreement.
For additional information or questions please contact VR Transition Services Coordinator, Tangye Teague at Tangye.teague@gvra.ga.gov or 404-232-1948.