Charlotte Interagency Council Agreement
to Support the Transition Process
of Students With Disabilities
The mission of the Charlotte Interagency Council is to facilitate a forum for communication, cooperation, and collaboration among students, families, multidisciplinary agencies, schools, and community resources serving children and adults with disabilities. The council’s desired outcome is improving the quality of life and career opportunities for those we serve.
Purpose
Participating agencies are mutually committed to cooperate in the development and delivery of programs designed to provide educational services, vocational training, developmental training, social services, supported employment, job placement, and related services for students with disabilities. Since no single agency has all the necessary resources to adequately meet the needs of individuals with disabilities; it is through a continuous effort of interagency cooperation that a full continuum of services can be assured. This must begin and culminate in a smooth transition to an optimum quality of adult life.
Specifically it intended that this agreement:
- Ensure local delivery of information, training, and technical assistance on best transition practices to local service providers, families, and students.
- Provide a forum to share information and to develop strategies to resolve barriers encountered in supporting successful transition outcomes.
Legislative Authority
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), P.L.108-446, establishes the transition services requirements for eligible students with disabilities served by public schools.
The requirement for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Division of Blind Services (DBS) to enter into interagency agreements relating to vocational rehabilitation program transition services is contained in Section 101 (a)(11)(D) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 34&CRF361.22(a)(2).
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) supports adults and students eligible for extended employment supports and other services during and after transition from school to post-school outcomes under the authority of Florida Statute 393 and Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) waivers from the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid.
Children’s Medical Services (CMS) supports the six goals of the President’s New Freedom Initiative and uses them as the models for the CMS six goals. The sixth CMS goal targets youth transition and states, “Beginning at age 12, all teens and young adults with special healthcare needs who are enrolled in the CMS Network and their families will receive the services needed to make transitions to all aspects of adult life, including adult health care, work, and independence.”
Mental Health (MH) provides transitional supports and services for children with emotional disturbance and their families including housing, social/recreational and employment supports for adults with mental illness under the authority of Chapter 394 Florida Statues.
Transition Services
“Transition services” means a coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities which may include post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
Interagency Council Affirmations and Commitments
The participating agencies/representatives are committed to the following:
- To actively and thoughtfully listen to each other’s perspective and respect each other’s point of view
- To mutually share information and referrals in a timely fashion while protecting the rights of confidentiality
- To jointly plan to ensure transition services that meet the needs of the “whole” individual
- To collaborate and access training programs, consultation services, and technical assistance in best practices of transition services.
- To accomplish collaborative program initiatives, we are willing to reexamine existing practices, remain open to new ideas, and maintain a deep commitment to individuals with disabilities and their families
Roles and Responsibilities
The participating representatives are expected to:
- Actively participate in the interagency council meetings and one or more subcommittees
- Attend and participate in the five yearly interagency council meetings
- Select a meeting facilitator, record keeper, and subcommittees for the interagency council with members volunteering for the needed roles and responsibilities
- Commit to be responsible for implementing and monitoring provisions of the agreement
General Provisions
Compliance with Laws
Each party shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, standards and Executive Orders, without limitation to those designated within this agreement. The laws and regulations of the State shall govern the rights of the parties, the performance of this agreement and any disputes. If any provision of this agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law. Any changes in the governing laws, rules, and regulations during the term of this agreement shall apply but do not require an amendment.- Non-Discrimination
The parties shall comply with mandates that all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or political affiliation, shall have equal access to employment opportunities, and all other applicable Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. - Termination
This agreement may be terminated as provided in accordance with State Statutes. Each party shall have the right to terminate this agreement, with or without cause, by mailing a written notice of termination by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least thirty days prior to the effective date of said termination to the meeting facilitator. - Amendments or Modifications
This agreement may be amended or modified at any time by mutual agreement of the representatives of the participating agencies. - Conflict Resolution
In instances of interagency conflict, differences shall be resolved by following informal and formal procedures consistent with Florida Statutes.
Following this agreement, each agency will have a one page description on their letterhead which includes program description, eligibility requirements, application process, services provided, and contact information.