In District 230, an occupational information class (job skill focused) and a vocational work program is offered.   If a student is enrolled in the work program or wants/has a competitively paid job in the community,  he/she will be referred to the Department of Rehabilitation Services in order to enroll in the Secondary Transitional Services Program (STEP).

Vocational rehabilitation specialists work with students to individualize STEP services to meet their needs. Other services include:

1. Job Exploration Counseling
2. Work-Based Learning Experiences
3. Counseling on Post-Secondary Education
4. Workplace Readiness Training
5. Instruction in Self-Advocacy

More information on STEP Services

How to get enrolled in the STEP program?

Speak with the case manager/vocational coordinator at the building level.   In order to be referred, a parent's signature, student signature, and social security number must be provided to start the process.  Once a referral is started, an intake meeting will be scheduled in order to get to know the student and their individual needs to begin developing the STEP plan.

Once enrolled in the STEP program, what can you expect?

This will depend on your personal plan and goals.  Students  may be enrolled in the school's occupation skills class, work program or competitively employed.  Each outcome will have a different plan discussed at your intake meeting.

Before receiving a diploma, students with an IEP will have the opportunity to be referred to the Department of Rehabilitation Services Adult Services (DRS).  DRS will help provide one of the following services based on your goals:

1. Set educational and career goals.

2. Find a job that matches your abilities, interests and needs.

3. Advocate for needs in school and the workplace.

4. Possible financial assistance with furthering your education.

Your DRS counselor will help you create an individual plan which will include determining what you are eligible to receive from the state for assistance to meet your goals. Two ways to be referred to the DRS Adult Services division with District 230:

1. If students are currently in the STEP program, their file will automatically be moved to the adult services side of DRS upon accepting a diploma (if chosen to). 

2. If students are not in the STEP program, at the beginning of senior year, the vocational coordinator/case manager will be reaching out to see if you would like to be referred.  In order to be referred, a parent's signature, student signature, and social security number must be provided to give permission for the referral.  The Department of Rehabilitation Adult Services will then be contacting you to set up a meeting with them prior to graduation.

• D230 Transitions to MVCC Connections Program
• Illinois Able Brochure for Public Education
• ABLE Account information
• Illinois Center for Transition and Work - School - to - Work Transition Guide
• "The Book" - How to Navigate the Disability System (Overview on PUNS, SSI, Guardianship, ABLE Account, and more)
• Center for Disability Services - Moraine Valley 
• Disability ID Card Application
• Medicaid Application User Guide
• Power of Attorney Health Care
• Power of Attorney Property
• PUNS
• RTA Reduced Fare Application
• Supported Decision Making Agreement
• Supplemental Social Security
• Transition Program - Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education
• Trade Apprenticeship Guide