The Student HireAbility Navigator (SHN) provides support and coordination around the region to grow and improve workforce transition services offered to students with disabilities and their families. This initiative serves as a resource that partners with Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) to enhance current programs through three areas of focus:

• Raise awareness of resources and activities available to students with disabilities

• Increase community coordination and provide information, training, and technical assistance

• Inform and engage employers to increase understanding and develop work-based learning opportunities

Participants

• Students who are 14 to 22 years old as of September 1st of the previous year

• Students who are receiving special education services or who have eligibility through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act

• Students who are in an approved educational program

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS):

• Career Exploration

• Work-Based Learning

• Self-Advocacy

• Postsecondary Counseling

• Workplace Readiness

  
  

Questions

If you have additional questions, Vocational Rehabilitation at call 325-795-4200 option 2.

This is a helpful site for you to complete skill and interest assessments as well as research careers with educational pathways.

https://www.mynextmove.org/

https://www.workforcesystem.org/491/Student-Resources

VR Office (325)795-4352

The following occupations have been identified by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas as occupations that demonstrate strong regional growth potential and provide the best employment opportunities for local job seekers. These are also occupations the Board targets for training sponsorship based on the type of credential required and length of training needed. Customers who are interested in receiving training in the occupations below are encouraged to call (800) 457-5633 or email our team to find out more about eligibility requirements and funding availability.

Click any occupation below for more detailed information and a list of local training providers.

https://www.workforcesystem.org/577/Demand-Occupations

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas helps young adults achieve their career goals with connections to education, training, and employment opportunities! 

Our program can assist youth as young as 16 years old and up to 24 years old who are low-income and/or have other barriers to employment. Whether currently in school or out of school, we have a wealth of services to support young adults on the path to a successful career! For more information, EMAIL our team or CALL (325) 795-4200.

By completing the online self-referral, [the student will take] the first step in [their] Vocational Rehabilitation journey.

✓  If [the student has] a physical, mental, or emotional disability that affects [their] ability to obtain or maintain employment, [they] may be eligible for our services to help [them] in finding and retaining meaningful employment.

✓  Please [have student or their guardian] complete the form fields so that [VR] may connect [them] with a counselor who can tell [them] more about how the VR process works.

✓  Once information has been received, [the student] will be contacted by VR staff to schedule time to discuss [their] interest in vocational rehabilitation (VR) services.   If [they] would like, a friend or family member may join [them] in this conversation. 

www.jobcorps.gov

www.jobcorps.gov

https://www.twc.texas.gov/initiatives/texas-hire-ability#texasHireabilityEvents

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/cte-programs-of-study

Partners Resource Network (PRN) has been empowering families of children and youth with disabilities since 1986.

We can help you understand your child’s disability, understand your rights and responsibilities under IDEA, obtain and evaluate resources and services, and effectively participate as an equal team member with professionals in planning services for your child.

Call us at 1.800.866.4726 or email us to be connected with our person assisting parents and families in your area.

Since 1991, our programs have been serving and empowering those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From direct support staff to senior administrative roles, we passionately serve our residents and share a commitment to enriching the lives of those who trust us daily. We believe God has a plan for everyone. It’s been amazing to see how God has used those with Intellectual and developmental disabilities to teach others about real and lasting love. To learn more about our services and housing options, call Hill Resources Inc at (325) 218-4518. Se habla español.

The West Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center is a single access point in locating public or private services for older adults and individuals with disabilities of any age…Regardless of income!

Suzanne McGuire     325-675-8614     smcguire@esc14.net

Office: (325)795-4352

Fax: (325)795-4336

Brownwood office:

Brad Cloud: cell: 325-203-1450: bradley.cloud@twc.texas.gov

Runnels, Coleman, and Brown

Madison Rose: cell:325-203-8407: madison.rose@twc.texas.gov

Brown, Callahan, and Comanche

Abilene office:

Heather Haddix: cell 325-725-4189: heather.haddix@twc.texas.gov

Throckmorton, Stephens, and Eastland;

Kelly Fragodt: cell: 325-721-0744: kelly.fragodt@twc.texas.gov

Knox, Haskell, Jones, and Shackelford

Andrea Jackson: cell: 325-725-4254: andrea.jackson@twc.texas.gov

Nolan, Fisher, and Stonewall

Corrina Kyle: cell: 325-514-0663:

corrina.kyle@twc.texas.gov

Kent, Scurry, and Mitchell

Kristen Wright: cell: 325-513-6423:

Kristen.wright@twc.texas.gov

Transition VR Counselor for Taylor County

Special Populations all county coverage

Misty Trevino, Blind & Visually Impaired (ages 14 – 22): cell: 325-260-8694

misty.trevino@twc.texas.gov

Amy Mowins, Hard of Hearing: cell: 325-269-8836

amy.mowins@twc.texas.gov

Mitzi Chaney, Blind & Visually Impaired (ages 23 & up): cell: 325-338-0122

mitzi.chaney@twc.texas.gov

Vocational Rehabilitation Leadership

Laynette Wright, Unit Support Coordinator: cell: 325-274-9463

laynette.wright@twc.texas.gov

Angela DeLeon, Customer Care Coordinator:

angela.deleon@twc.texas.gov

Jake Porter, VR Supervisor: cell: 325-201-3587

jacob.porter@twc.texas.gov

Tommy Higgins, VR Manager: cell: 325-260-9357

tommy.higgins@twc.texas.gov

We’re HAPPY you’re here!

This space is dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential in college, career, and military readiness. With over eight years of experience as a high school counselor and now as a future readiness specialist, my passion lies in guiding middle and high school students through the often overwhelming process of planning their futures.

Whether you’re navigating college applications, pursuing career opportunities, or exploring military options, I’m here to offer personalized guidance every step of the way. At CCMR with Ms. Thrash, I understand that each student is unique—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.