[ Music ] ^M00:00:19 >> I bet you're thinking, hey, the DVR programs is for old people, or that you don't even consider yourself as having a disability. Well, I kind of thought I didn't, but I knew that my learning disability was going to make it hard for me to get a job of my own, and I wasn't sure what I was going to do. So I decided to check out DVR. A DVR counselor came to my school and met with me, my teacher, and my mom. They told me about the services they could offer to help me find work. I wasn't interested in more school. [laughs] This was hard enough. I just wanted a job. So I got involved in DVR's high school transition program. During my final year in high school, my DVR counselor and I worked on my individual plan for employment, or IPE. She worked with me to find out what I could do and what interested me. There were a lot of meetings, but it got me ready for work. And get this. While finishing up my final year in school, DVR and my teachers helped me find a part-time job to help me prepare for full-time work after graduation. They checked in to see how I was doing, and what I liked about my work experience. But hey, DVR won't do it all for you. I had to do my part and keep appointments and stay in contact with my counselor. A friend of mine at school has cerebral palsy and didn't want a job right out of high school. She wanted to go on to college, and I know DVR was helping her too. So DVR develops a plan that meets each person's interests and abilities, and I know her plan with DVR was way different than mine. DVR will also coordinate services with other programs. Sometimes it is worthwhile for students to remain in school until 21 and benefit from job preparations arranged by the school. So getting back to me. After developing a plan that included help with my job search, DVR got me an on-the-job training opportunity at a local auto repair shop. Just what I wanted. Working on cars is what interested me most. But for you, well, you and DVR have to figure that one out. DVR gave me a start on my future. Now it's up to me, and I know there are big things to come. Thanks DVR. >> [music] Transition is a team effort that gives support and guidance to students with disabilities as they move from high school to the workplace. The team assists students by identifying career interests and learning what skills and training are needed to prepare for careers in those fields. Support during the rehabilitation process is very important. If you are under the age of 18, or have a legal guardian, you will need a parent or guardian involved in the DVR process with you. DVR has counselors assigned to work with every high school. Please contact the office nearest you. Visit Alaska DVR's website: labor.alaska.gov/dvr or call 1-800-478-2815, voice or TTY. [ Music ] ^M00:02:47