FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
JIM HORNE
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
SALLY BRADSHAW
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LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.
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CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
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JULIA L. JOHNSON
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WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
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MEMORANDUM
November 1, 2003
To:
Directors of Exceptional Student Education
Directors of Career and Technical Education
District Finance Officers
From:
Loretta Costin, Director, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Shan Goff, Deputy Chancellor, K-12 Education
Nancy Cordill, Director, Office of Workforce Education
Subject:
Third Party Cooperative Agreements
The Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), supported by the
Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services (BISCS) and the Office of Workforce
Education, is seeking to enter into third party cooperative agreements (TPCA) with Local
Education Agencies (LEA) throughout the state. Through the development of cooperative
agreements, DVR and BISCS intend to expand and improve services that lead to employment for
students with disabilities, as well as maximize the funding available for school-to-work transition
services in the state of Florida.
A TPCA involves joint funding of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for individuals who
are students with disabilities and who are eligible for VR services. DVR will provide a 1:1
match for non-federal funds that are contributed by the LEA, thus doubling the funding available
for collaborative services.
DVR has current agreements with several LEAs for job placement and supported employment
services. Other potential areas for collaboration include:
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Expansion of Career and Technical Education programs for students with disabilities;
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 201-7400 • www.fldoe.org
Directors of Exceptional Student Education
Directors of Career and Technical Education
District Finance Officers
November 1, 2003
Page 2
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Vocational training and career exploration;
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Work experience programs for returning graduates with special diplomas;
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Case management and liaison services between the LEA and DVR; and
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Rehabilitation technology services.
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Benefits to the LEA include:
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Increased financial resources for the provision of transition services for students with
disabilities;
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An expanded range of transition options for students with varying levels of disability;
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Improved technical assistance in the area of transition for teachers;
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Increased family involvement in the transition process; and
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Increased agency involvement in the transition process.
If you are interested in exploring the potential of an agreement between your district and the
division, we encourage you to contact Allison Chase, VR Administrator (850-245-3348).
c:
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LEA Transition Specialists
SEDNET Project Managers
FDLRS Associate Center Managers
DVR Area Administrators
Linda Champion