Other Resources
Early Childhood Direction Centers Transition Coordination Sites
The network of Early Childhood Direction Centers
(ECDCs), administered by the New York State Education
Department, is a resource for professionals and parents
of children with disabilities, birth through five years of
age. ECDCs provide information about programs and
services available in the community and referral assis-
tance in accessing these services. For information about
the ECDC in your region, refer to VESID’s website
http:/www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/home.html
or call (518)
486-7462.
Independent Living Centers
Independent Living Centers are private, community-
based programs which provide a variety of services to
people with disabilities. These nonresidential, nonmedical
service centers provide education and awareness activi-
ties within their communities to break down barriers,
allowing people with disabilities to participate fully in
community life. Services provided by centers include:
peer counseling; information and referral; advocacy;
housing assistance; transportation; services referral
(interpreters, readers, attendants); independent living
skill counseling and training; architectural barrier consul-
tation; equipment maintenance; repair and loan; and TTY
relay. For information about the Independent Living
Center in your region, refer to VESID’s website
http:/www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/home.html
or call (518)
474-2925.
Special Education Training and Resource Centers
(SETRC)
The SETRC network, administered by VESID, pro-
vides local information, training and resources related to
the education of students with disabilities. SETRC training
specialists provide parents, school district staff and
administrators, agency representatives and other inter-
ested individuals with resources, consultation and train-
ing programs based on local needs and statewide goals.
For information about the SETRC office in your region,
refer to VESID’s website
http:/www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn
/
home.html
or call (518) 486-7462.
Regional Transition Coordination Sites (TCS) assist
local communities in implementing transition planning
and services. They coordinate existing resources within a
geographic area to provide information, training and tech-
nical assistance to local school districts, families, stu-
dents and community agencies. They also assist at the
local and community levels to expand services to enhance
the transition of students with disabilities from school to
postsecondary educational opportunities, adult vocation-
al rehabilitation services and employment. For informa-
tion about the TCS in your region, refer to VESID’s web-
site
http:/www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/home.html
or call
(518) 474-7566.
VESID Vocational Rehabilitation Regional Offices
The VESID Vocational Rehabilitation Regional Offices
provide services to individuals with disabilities to prepare
them for employment. Services include: physical and/or
psychological examinations; vocational evaluation; guid-
ance and counseling; medical services (to improve ability
to work); job and work adjustment training; meal
allowances, books, tools and transportation for on-the-
job support; other goods and services needed to obtain a
job; job coaching; supported employment services; train-
ing in job seeking; job placement services and follow-up
services. For information about the Vocational
Rehabilitation Office in your region, refer to VESID’s web-
site
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov
or call 1-800-222-JOBS
(1-800-222-5627).
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