Student HireAbility Program

The Student HireAbility Navigator (SHN) initiative provides support and coordination around the region to grow and improve workforce transition services offered to students with disabilities and their families. SHN serves as a vital resource and partner to enhance current programs offered by Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services through three areas of focus:

1. Raise awareness of resources and activities available to students with disabilities.
2. Increase community coordination and provide information, training, and technical assistance.
3. Inform and engage employers to increase understanding and develop work-based learning opportunities.

Planning for what comes next after high school graduation begins long before a student walks across the stage in their cap and gown. For students with disabilities, this process also involves understanding their disability, learning how to advocate for themselves, exploring resources that will benefit them and so much more. The SHN initiative coordinates and supports the following services to assist students and families in the process of transitioning into the workforce:

• Job exploration counseling
• Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities, experiences outside of the traditional school setting, and/or internships
• Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or post secondary educational programs
• Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
• Instruction in self-advocacy

The SHN initiative does not administer services but does work to improve offerings and grow awareness. Program participation through the office of Vocational Rehabilitation is eligibility-based according to the following criteria:
Students who are 14 to 22 years old as of September 1st of the previous year. Students who are receiving special education services or who have eligibility through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act. Students who are in an approved educational program.