Grant gives Nevada $10M to bring more transition services to people with disabilities
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is partnering with the Nevada Department of Education to invest $10 million into improving transition services and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities in Nevada.
The grant coming from the United States Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will be used to create the Nevada Transitions Roadmap through Innovative Partnerships Project, also known as Nevada TRIP.
Nevada DETR’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation will lead focus groups to gather input and provide feedback for development of a project website and mobile application for Nevada TRIP, raising awareness about the program across the state.
“We are very happy to partner with the Nevada Department of Education and seven other community and government partners on this historic project, to create a platform where all the information about services available to people with disabilities, at every stage of their lives, will be available to the everyone,” said Drazen Elez, DETR Rehabilitation Division Administrator. “We will use our combined expertise and efforts to reach people with disabilities in every corner of the state.”
The project aims to increase participation in career exploration and work-based learning for students with disabilities, enhance awareness of postsecondary opportunities and achieve higher rates for high school graduation, college enrollment, and competitive integrated employment.
“The Nevada TRIP initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing inclusive and effective educational and other support services for all of Nevada's children and youth," said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. "This grant will allow us to build partnerships and systems that support the unique needs of students with disabilities, empowering them to successfully transition into adulthood and employment. We are excited about the opportunities this initiative brings to our state's education landscape."
To ensure the success of this project, the Nevada TRIP Advisory Work Group will be established. This work group will bring together key partners, including representation from at least 10% membership by children and youth with disabilities and their support systems.
Other participants will include, Nevada’s Vocational Rehabilitation, Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living, Southern Nevada Center for Independent Living, Carson City School District, Humboldt County School District, White Pine County School District, Nevada Statewide Independent Living Council, Parent Training and Information Center, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities, and other agencies.
The grant resources will roll out to the rest of the state in years 3-5 of the project.