Special Populations  

Special populations are not limited to students that have mental or physical disabilities, but also include students who are in need of guidance and assistance in order to complete high school. These programs are often referred to as Intervention or Support Services. They are designed for students and instructors in academic, career, technical, and agricultural education courses. These programs assist students with individual difficulties in school, community activities, and on the job. Students are provided the additional support and encouragement needed to develop the necessary academic and career-related skills and knowledge demanded by the 21^st century workforce.

Students enrolled in the public school system may be eligible to receive additional support services from various programs.

Coordinated Vocational Academic Education/Project Success (CVAE/PS)

The goal of CVAE/PS is to provide educational, academic, and occupational services to students in grades 9-12. Students enrolled learn about the world of work and pre-employment occupational skills and knowledge they need in order to be successful. CVAE/PS involves career exploration and preparation through all stages of education. Students are exposed to a multitude of career possibilities. This option helps students make informed career decisions. Indicators for selection include:

• Academically two or more grade levels below their peers
• Frequent or excessive absenteeism
• School alienated
• Economically deprived
• Potential school dropout
• Limited English proficiency

Community-Based Instruction (CBI)

CBI is a program in which school systems and businesses partner to provide students with disabilities an opportunity to experience work instruction in their local community. CBI is for any student with a disability who has difficulty applying or generalizing skills from the classroom to a real world setting. Students work on developing skills, including: consumer, interpersonal, daily living, prevocational, vocational, leisure/recreational, mobility, safety, and domestic.

 CBVI is a component of CBI which partners school systems with local businesses to provide students with disabilities an opportunity to experience instruction in natural work environments. As part of CBVI, students acquire training in a variety of skills necessary for future employment. The CVBI is a non-paid training program. Students receive instruction in functional academics, social skills, communication, and work-related behavior in community settings in order to prepare for future employment.  

Related Vocational Instruction (RVI)

The RVI program is designed to support special education students enrolled in career, technical, and agricultural programs through an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students receiving RVI services at the secondary level are assisted by a special education teacher in career and technical classes to ensure delivery of the appropriate accommodations. Special education students include, but are not limited to:

• Emotional and Behavioral Disorder
• Intellectual Disability
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability

 An important aspect of the RVI program is the annual Youth Leadership Conference held on Jekyll Island every spring for students with disabilities.  

Roosevelt Warm Spring Institute for Rehabilitation

The Roosevelt Institute’s Vocational Rehabilitation Unit (VRU) offers students of special populations a wide range of services designed to achieve employment, foster independence, and build confidence. From the time a student enters the program until graduation, teams of professionals work with the student in a customized program leading to employment. The Institute is dedicated to providing services to individuals with a variety of disabilities including orthopedic, amputation, diabetes, and other developmental disabilities. Aptitudes and options are discussed in order to tailor individual programs emphasizing independent living skills and transitional planning preparation for community re-entry.  

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

The VR program exists to assist persons with disabilities become gainfully employed. This program provides Georgia businesses with a dependable source of qualified employees. VR provides services statewide through 12 regional and 54 strategically located local offices.

VR provides only those services necessary for the qualified individual to meet established work goals. Need for and provision of services varies based upon the completion and outcome of the Work Program Development of individual clients. This program may include:

• Counseling and Guidance
• Work Adjustment Training
• College and University Training
• Supported Employment Work
• Readiness Training
• On-the-Job Training
• Vocational and Technical Training
• Job Coaching

Gifted Programs

A variety of programs are available for gifted students. For more information contact your system personnel in charge of accelerated programs.

What is the right program for me?

Students who need support may be eligible for programs within the school system. There may be other programs through the community or a governmental agency that provide support. Contact your school system to find out more information.  

Whom do I talk to?

• School Counselors
• Parents of students in support programs
• Special Educators
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Contact a counselor at your school to receive more information and to discuss your options.

Copyright 2005, Georgia Career Information Center, Georgia State University.  All rights reserved.
Content provided by the Georgia Career Resources Network.
Partners include the Georgia Career Information Center, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, and University System of Georgia.