TCRC Brochure – Roadmap to Employment
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Student Services
DOR Student Services can work with you to help you prepare for a job, learn job skills and get real-world work experience. Students can participate if they:
Are 16 through 21 years old.
Are enrolled in a recognized education program (including home school and alternative high school programs).
Have an IEP, a 504 Plan, or a disability.
What are DOR Student Services?
DOR Student Services consist of pre-employment transition services, provided in accordance with the needs and interests of the student, that fall within the following five categories:
Job exploration counseling – Help you find out about different kinds of jobs and help you make a decision on what job will be best for you.
Work-based learning experiences – Work experiences to help you find an employer that will let you get real-world work experience.
Postsecondary counseling – Services that help you learn about enrolling in education and training programs that support your career goal.
Work readiness training – Skills for work services that help you learn good work habits and skills to prepare for success on the job.
Self-advocacy training – Services that help you to practice how to ask for what you want or need when you are at work.
How to Access DOR Student Services?
Students may request DOR Student Services by applying online, or by filling out a DR 203 – DOR Student Services Plan Request (PDF). Both of which can be found at https://www.dor.ca.gov/home/studentservices. If you need some help, you can ask your IEP Case Manager or your TCRC Service Coordinator to help you make a referral. *Parent signature needed if under 18 years old.
For City of Santa Barbara High Schools, DOR partners with the Bridges Program. Learn more about DOR services by contacting Jeannine Forslund (jforslund@sbunified.org) or Kimberly Feldhaus (kfeldhaus@sbunified.org).
WorkAbility I (WAI) Program
Who Is Eligible?
Students 16-22 years of age with an active IEP.
Must be enrolled in a school district.
The WorkAbility (WAI) program is funded and administered by the California Department of Education (CDE). The WAI program provides comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement and follow-up for high school students in special education who are making the transition from school to work, independent living, and postsecondary education or training. Program services are appropriate to individual student needs, abilities, and interests.
What are WAI Services?
WAI program services vary from school district to district. Typically, services may include:
Comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement and follow up.
Work readiness training.
Volunteer and paid work experience.
Transition planning.
Career exploration.
How to Access WAI?
Referrals come through school special education staff such as your teacher or IEP Case Manager.
Santa Barbara County
Associate Superintendent, Kirsten Escobedo, kescobedo@sbceo.org
Student Information Specialist, Olga B. Lopez (805) 922-0334 ext. 2313
Tri-Counties Regional Center Paid Internship Program
Who can Intern?
Students may be eligible if they are age 18 or over.
Individual has legal right to work documents in California.
Individual has accessed DOR and DOR services have been deemed not appropriate.
PIP needs to provide gaining skills, career exploration or lead to permanent placement.
What is a Paid Internship?
A paid internship is up to 12 months; 1040 hours. The internship is designed to help to assist individuals served by TCRC in (1) fostering the acquisition or development of essential work-related skills and (2) enhancing resume experience to improve their employability. The ultimate goal is to secure competitive integrated employment aligned with their Individual Program Plan (IPP).
*Transportation not included
How to Access?
Contact your TCRC Service Coordinator.