ACCES-VR Services

CVES partners with ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services–Vocational Rehabilitation) to provide employment-focused services for youth and adults with disabilities throughout our region. Our team works closely with individuals, families, schools, employers, and ACCES-VR counselors to help people explore career options, prepare for employment, gain real-world experience, find meaningful jobs, and build the skills needed for long-term workplace success.

Program Description

CVES provides a variety of ACCES-VR-funded services designed to meet individuals wherever they are in their employment journey. Services are individualized and may range from early career exploration and work-readiness activities to job development, internships, supported employment, and assistance maintaining employment.

Our approach emphasizes real-world experiences, individual strengths and interests, informed choice, and connections with local employers. Whenever possible, services take place in community and workplace settings so individuals can develop skills through authentic experiences.

Program Highlights

Through our ACCES-VR partnership, individuals may have opportunities to:

• • • Explore careers and identify employment interests
    • Develop resumes, applications, and interviewing skills
    • Build workplace readiness and professional skills
    • Participate in career exploration and work-based learning
    • Gain hands-on experience through internships and employment opportunities
    • Receive individualized job development and job-search assistance
    • Learn new job tasks with support from employment specialists or job coaches
    • Develop strategies for workplace success and independence
    • Receive ongoing employment supports when eligible
    • Connect with local businesses and community resources

Services are based on each individual’s goals, needs, eligibility, and ACCES-VR authorization.

How to Access Services

Individuals interested in ACCES-VR services generally begin by connecting with ACCES-VR to determine eligibility and develop an employment plan. Once appropriate services are identified and authorized, individuals may be referred to CVES for specific employment and vocational services.

For students who are still in school, CVES staff can also assist students, families, and school teams in understanding ACCES-VR and determining when a referral may be appropriate as part of transition planning.

Our staff work collaboratively with the individual and their ACCES-VR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor throughout the process to ensure services remain connected to the person’s employment goals.

Contact Information & Office Locations

CVES provides ACCES-VR, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and OPWDD Employment Services throughout the North Country, helping individuals explore employment opportunities, develop workplace skills, obtain meaningful employment, and build greater independence within their communities.

Champlain Valley Educational Services RISE Center for Success Plattsburgh, New York

Transition Services Office Phone: 518-561-0100
Email: robinson_tonya@cves.org

For questions about ACCES-VR, Pre-ETS, OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Employment Services, referrals, or eligibility, please contact us. We are happy to help individuals, families, schools, and community partners learn more about available services and identify appropriate next steps.

How to Apply for ACCES-VR Services

Individuals with a disability that creates a barrier to employment may apply directly to ACCES-VR or be referred, with their consent, by a school, family member, agency, medical provider, or other community partner.

The application process begins by completing an ACCES-VR application and providing available information about the individual’s disability and employment needs. An ACCES-VR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor then works with the individual to determine eligibility and identify appropriate employment goals, services, and supports.

For students transitioning from school, CVES staff can assist students and families in understanding the application process and connecting with ACCES-VR.

Visit the official ACCES-VR website for current application information, forms, office locations, and additional resources:

Visit the ACCES-VR Website

Benefits for Employers

Our partnership with ACCES-VR and OPWDD isn’t only about supporting job seekers—it also creates valuable partnerships with local businesses and employers.

Employers who partner with CVES may benefit from:

• • • Access to motivated and qualified job candidates
    • Assistance identifying appropriate job matches
    • Support with onboarding and training
    • Job coaching and workplace support when appropriate
    • Assistance developing inclusive workplace practices
    • Opportunities to provide internships and work-based learning experiences
    • A dedicated employment professional who can help address questions or concerns
    • Connections to potential incentives and resources available

By partnering with local employers, we work to create opportunities that are a good match for both the individual and the business. These partnerships help strengthen our local workforce while creating meaningful pathways to employment for people with disabilities.