Help them find their way.  Keep VESID on the right path. Stop the transfer of services for those who need it the most. The NYS Executive Budget would transfer vocational rehabilitation services for adults from the Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) program in the state Education Department (SED) to the state Department of Labor, increasing the chances that children transitioning to adult services will get caught in a confusing services maze of dead ends.  It is already difficult for children with disabilities to access the services they need when they “age out” of the programs that provide their services. Requiring them to access their services through a bureaucracy with no experience or expertise in delivering direct counseling services would only increase their difficulties. The budget proposal would also restrict the availability of a full spectrum of services and limit access to integrated services. The services now provided by VESID in the SED are designed to assess each disabled individual’s capabilities, interests and needs, and then tailor and coordinate training and services to meet those needs. VESID is focused on maximizing each individual’s potential through such programs as long-term education, including college, that ensure the best quality of life they can have. By contrast, the state Labor Department has no experience in providing direct rehabilitation counseling to individuals with disabilities, and its workforce programs are keyed to immediate job placements.  Don’t let our children get caught in a maze of dead-ends. Call your legislators and the governor toll free at 1-877-255-9417 and tell them to keep VESID on the right path — in the state Education Department, where it belongs. Download PDF print ad PEF Public Relations ad campaigns This ad was created by the PEF PR department appeared as a black & white version in the March 7 , 2005 edition of the Legislative Gazette.  © Copyright 2005.