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Board hears expansion of transition services for students with disabilities, partnership with DARS
Summary
District special‑education staff described an expanded transition program starting at age 14, monthly coordination with the DARS counselor Catherine Prater, more referrals since July 2024, and new 'DARS days' and field experiences to support post‑school employment.
Bedford County special‑education staff told the school board they have stepped up transition planning and coordination with the state Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to improve post‑secondary employment outcomes for students with disabilities.
Speaker 7 outlined that transition services begin at age 14 through the IEP and must include measurable post‑secondary goals in education, training, employment and independent living. The presenter said DARS provides vocational and transition supports — including pre‑ETS services such as job exploration, work‑based learning, workplace readiness training and self‑advocacy instruction — and that the school division has increased monthly coordination with DARS to improve referrals and continuity into adult services.
Catherine Prater, the district’s DARS counselor for Bedford (referenced by staff), was cited as attending IEP meetings, participating in department meetings and running outreach activities. Staff described new initiatives labeled 'DARS days' (student trips to local sites, e.g., Liberty University and Peaks of Otter), transition fairs and smaller 'block party' PD meetings that let teachers and case managers meet individually with the DARS counselor to streamline referrals.
Board members asked who is eligible for DARS support; staff said any student with an IEP or a 504 plan is eligible, including students in adaptive programs. Speakers noted that families may decline services and that DARS case openings depend on parental cooperation and the counselor’s capacity; cases are closed if required paperwork or parent contact is not provided within district timelines.
Staff reported a meaningful uptick in open DARS cases since July 2024 and asked the board to consider continued support for staffing and outreach to sustain the improvements.
