There’s a big world of opportunity after high school, but sometimes it’s hard for young Vermonters with disabilities to know where to start. That’s where HireAbility Vermont comes in to provide career counseling to fit their goals, to help them navigate a path, and discover their dream job! We help them build their future by exploring careers and training opportunities, gaining work experience, and developing job and life skills. Working with us is 100% voluntary—it’s their program, set at their pace, designed to meet their goals.
We help your child discover what they might want to explore as a career during and after high school.
Training Opportunities
When your child finds a career worth exploring, we can help with any training they might need to be successful in their chosen field. We’re here to help them be the best they can be.
Transition Support
The transition from school to outside of high school can be overwhelming for many young people. We’re here to help and be alongside you to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“HireAbility Vermont really helps with my experience with helping me along the way so I can have a much better experience with my job and get to learn the process well.”
RIVER PLOOF | Waterbury, VT
How It Works
We work one-on-one with your child to explore careers and help navigate their path while in High School and beyond. Your child’s first meetings with their Transition Counselor will focus on one key area: THEM. We’ll talk about their interests and experiences, and explore what is needed to be successful. Their counselor will guide them through our services and how the application process works—all located at their high school or local HireAbility office, whichever is most convenient.
What To Expect
Explore jobs and careers
Participate in work-based learning experiences, (including job shadows and company tours) and/or find an employer paid
Talk about post-secondary education and training opportunities
Practice skills that you need at work and to be independent (like being on time, managing schedules, and communication)
Practice self-advocacy skills
Who Is Eligible?
High school students can receive HireAbility Vermont services if either of the following apply to them:
Receiving special education services in the school (have an IEP)
Have a 504 plan or eligible for a 504 plan
For Vermont youth who are blind, have a significant visual impairment or who are deaf or hard of hearing, your Transition Counselor can assist with connecting you with specialized services.
Our programs have been designed just for you. From summer career opportunities to finding solutions to help you accomplish tasks, we will be with you every step of the way!
I was just pretty happy with the fact that I could actually help people and contribute to society. It was one of the biggest steps into becoming a responsible adult. I’m hoping that after college that I’ll become an art teacher for elementary school. I’m now working, and I’m going to be…
In The Future, I Would Like To Manage My Own Money
My HireAbility Vermont counselor would make sure that I had the right job coaches that would help me get a better experience. And my employment specialist was very helpful when it comes to helping people with disabilities find a job. I felt very happy and appreciative—and very proud about it…
