Services

School Programs

Programs by Student Profile

Career & Employment Options (CEO) offers comprehensive transition services tailored to meet the unique needs of students. Schools can choose services à la carte or as part of a group package for a more integrated approach.

Below, we outline student profiles and the services typically applicable to help guide schools in structuring effective transition programs.

Universal Pathway Design

CEO set out to provide school districts with comprehensive services, either directly or through support from ACCES-VR and Workforce Development grants. This approach led to the development of Universal Pathway Design (UPD)—a structured framework that gives districts access to a wide range of services designed to support student success.

School Programs

Transition Services

Career Counseling

CEO offers CDOS-aligned career consulting through our "Career Services for Students In & Beyond Special Education" curriculum. Our services include goal setting, progress tracking, and detailed reports to support IEP development. We also provide transition planning, career assessments, and document reviews to ensure students receive well-rounded support.

Job Development & Internships

CEO assists students in securing integrated, competitive employment or exploring self-employment and Civil Service opportunities. We conduct job analyses to outline role expectations, match students with suitable employers, and coordinate community-based worksite rotations across various industries.

Job Coaching

 Our personalized job coaching equips students with the skills needed to secure and maintain employment. We focus on skill-building, workplace accommodations, and self-advocacy to foster long-term success in the workforce.

Travel Training

CEO’s Travel Training Program prepares students with disabilities to navigate public transportation safely and independently. Under the guidance of a trained CEO consultant, students learn to use buses, trains, ride-sharing services, and specialized transit options. The curriculum covers schedule reading, time management, and essential safety skills to promote independent travel.

Job Placement Services

CEO facilitates job placements for students in their final year of high school, ensuring accessibility to work locations near their homes or via public transit. Initial job coaching transitions into weekly site visits, mirroring adult supported employment services. Additionally, we help students connect with ACCES-VR for Pre-ETS, paid internships, and job placement services, ensuring a seamless transition to employment.

PAES Lab

The PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System) is a hands-on vocational assessment tool that helps students develop and evaluate work-related skills. Within a simulated work environment, participants rotate through various industry-related tasks, gaining experience in office, factory, and retail settings. The program assesses vocational, academic, and social skills, while fostering independence, teamwork, and problem-solving. PAES also supports career exploration and transition planning, helping students set goals for meaningful employment.

CDOS Commencement Credential

CEO supports students in earning credentials that enhance employability, either as a supplement to a diploma or as a standalone certification. We offer two pathways:

Option 1: Career Planning & Work-Based Learning (WBL) – Students develop a Career Plan, complete CTE coursework, and engage in work-based learning under the guidance of a dedicated WBL Coordinator.

Option 2: CEO provides instruction and resources to prepare students for the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC) assessment.

Community Access & World of Work (WOW) Tours

CEO provides guided trips to local resources, helping students develop essential life skills such as budgeting, navigating public spaces, and practicing independent living. Business visits offer firsthand exposure to workplace environments, career expectations, and networking opportunities with professionals.

Linkages

CEO supports a smooth transition from high school to state agency services for students in Special Education. We provide families with information, guidance, and assistance in understanding adult service systems and eligibility requirements. Our team helps complete and submit necessary documentation and attends meetings with state agencies to ensure a seamless transition for students and their families.

School Programs

Other Transition Services

CSE and Annual Review

CEO provides attendance and advisory support for CSE meetings and Annual Reviews, assisting districts in implementing and refining transition services to enhance student success.           

Parent Training

CEO offers parent training to help families navigate vocational and career planning during transition. Our program empowers parents with knowledge of adult service models, enabling them to collaborate effectively with service providers and advocate for their child’s future.

Staff Development Services

CEO delivers staff training on transition services, adult service linkages (ACCES-VR, OPWDD, PAES Lab), and vocational assessment levels. Our sessions provide a comprehensive overview of transition planning, including guidance on Level I, II, and III vocational assessments.

Computer Literacy

CEO offers instruction in fundamental computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, internet navigation, and email communication. Training also covers industry-specific software, preparing students for the technological demands of the workplace.

Career Lab

CEO’s Career Lab helps students explore careers, develop job readiness skills, and navigate the employment process. Through personalized support, students refine their resumes, practice interview techniques, and learn job search strategies. Workplace readiness training enhances communication, teamwork, and time management, preparing students for long-term success.

Upward Options

CEO’s Upward Options program supports special education students in transitioning to college or other post-secondary options. Students strengthen self-regulation, executive functioning, and self-advocacy while learning to navigate IEPs, 504 plans, and college accommodations. The program also provides guidance on career planning, resume development, and applications, ensuring a smooth transition to post-secondary life.

School Programs

Evaluations, Consultations, and Assessments

CEO provides comprehensive vocational and assistive technology evaluations and consultations to support student success in career planning and workplace readiness.

Vocational

CEO conducts vocational assessments to identify suitable career paths by evaluating interests, abilities, and work-related skills. Assessments also determine necessary accommodations for workplace success.

·       Level II – Uses standardized testing and work samples to analyze vocational strengths, limitations, and potential accommodations.

·       Level III – Incorporates real or simulated work experiences to provide deeper insight into an individual’s work capabilities and support needs.

Assistive Technology

Conducted by a Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner, this service helps determine tools and devices that enhance independence and productivity.

·       Evaluations – Assess adaptive equipment and software, providing customized recommendations based on individual needs and goals.

·       Consultations – Provide individualized instruction on effectively using recommended technology.

School Programs

ACCES-VR In-School Services

No cost to school districts

CEO provides ACCES-VR-funded Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to school districts, supporting students with disabilities (ages 14–22) in developing essential skills for long-term employment. These services help students explore post-secondary education and career opportunities aligned with their strengths and interests.

Pre-ETS Services

  • Post-Secondary Counseling – Guidance on education and training options after high school.

  • Job Exploration Counseling – Support in identifying potential career paths and opportunities.

  • Self-Advocacy Training – Development of skills for independence and self-representation.

  • Work Readiness Training – Career exploration and soft skill development.

  • Work-Based Learning Development – Creation of internships, work try-outs, or other hands-on learning experiences.

  • Work-Based Learning Experiences – Paid work experiences for students when employers cannot directly place them on payroll.

  • Work-Based Coaching Supports – Job coaching for students participating in paid work experiences.

School Programs

Workforce Development Initiatives Services Offered to schools

No cost to eligible school districts

Town of Hempstead

Funded by a Town of Hempstead grant, CEO helps students residing in the town of Hempstead secure part-time employment and set post-graduation goals. Employment classes focus on work readiness, leadership development, financial literacy, and goal setting, equipping students with essential skills for future success. For more information click here.

Town of Oyster Bay

Through a Town of Oyster Bay grant, CEO provides paid summer internships and employment classes for TOB students. These programs are supplemented by stipends to encourage participation and focus on career preparation, leadership development, and essential life skills. For more information click here.

Town of Oyster Bay Out of School Program

CEO supports young adults (ages 16–24) in the Town of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, and Glen Cove who are not currently enrolled in school. Participants receive career guidance, paid internships, and stipends to help them develop skills and work toward long-term career goals. For more information click here.

ACCES-VR

ACCES-VR provides services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Through personalized vocational guidance and resources, these programs promote independence, career success, and long-term employment outcomes.

ACCES-VR

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocation Guidance and Counseling

CEO offers personalized support to help individuals explore career options, set vocational goals, and develop structured action plans for employment success.

Assessments and Evaluations

CEO conducts ACCES-VR-supported assessments to inform Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), guiding transition planning and career goal setting.

  • Diagnostic Vocational Evaluations (DVE) – Assess skills, aptitudes, and work readiness to establish realistic employment goals.

  • Situational Assessments – Conducted in real-world worksites to evaluate strengths, barriers, and support needs in competitive environments.

Rehabilitation Technology

CEO provides assistive technology solutions to help individuals with disabilities perform job-related tasks more independently and effectively.

Work Readiness

CEO prepares individuals for the workforce by developing essential employment skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, and professional workplace behaviors.

Job Development and Placement

CEO connects individuals with employers through job search assistance, job matching, and hiring support. Using the Vocational Engagement Model (VEM*)—developed by CEO Founder Nicholas A. Villani in 2021—this approach provides a structured framework for individuals with disabilities or employment barriers, ensuring active participation and long-term career success.

More about VEMDeveloped in 2021 by Founder Nicholas A. Villani, the Vocational Engagement Model (VEM) is a comprehensive framework designed to support individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment in achieving meaningful work. Rooted in principles of personalized support, collaboration, and holistic career development, VEM promotes active participation throughout the vocational rehabilitation process. The model offers a structured yet adaptable approach that empowers individuals to successfully transition into the workforce and sustain long-term employment.

Job Coaching

CEO’s job coaching program provides personalized workplace support to help individuals secure and maintain meaningful employment. Coaches assist with job placement, accommodations, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy, empowering individuals with the skills needed for career growth and job retention.

College Coaching Services

CEO supports individuals attending college by providing academic planning, career guidance, and assistance in navigating college life while staying focused on long-term employment goals.

Workforce, Education and Business

CEO connects at-opportunity youth with businesses and career pathways through career classes, community outreach, and skill-building programs. Offered at no cost to school districts, these initiatives help both in-school and out-of-school youth develop employability skills and prepare for long-term success. In addition to student support, CEO partners with businesses to address workforce needs and create meaningful employment opportunities for young professionals, bridging the gap between education and the workplace.

Workforce, Education and Business

Workforce Development Grants

Town of Hempstead (TOH)

In-School Youth Program

CEO helps students in the Town of Hempstead secure part-time employment and prepare for life after graduation. Employment classes focus on work readiness, leadership development, financial literacy, and goal setting, fostering both career and personal growth.

Sector-Based Services
CEO works with businesses and communities to address workforce challenges and connect employers with resources. Through Sector-based meetings, we facilitate training reimbursement opportunities, job placements, and workforce development strategies, helping businesses fill employment gaps while strengthening community partnerships.

Town of Oyster Bay (TOB)

In-School Youth Programs
CEO provides students in the Town of Oyster Bay with paid summer internships and employment classes, supplemented by stipends to encourage participation. These programs focus on career preparation, leadership development, and life skills to help students achieve their professional goals.

Out-of-School Youth Programs
CEO supports young adults (ages 16–24) in the Town of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, and Glen Cove who are not enrolled in school. Participants receive career guidance, paid internships, and stipends to develop skills and work toward long-term career success.

Participant Eligibility

In-School Youth Programs:

Available to students ages 14–21 attending school in the Town of Hempstead, Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, Long Beach, or Glen Cove. Participants must meet low-income criteria and have an employment barrier, such as a disability, homelessness, or justice system involvement.

 Out-of-School Youth Programs:

Open to young adults ages 16–24 who are not attending school and reside in the Town of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, or Glen Cove. Participants must meet low-income criteria and have an employment barrier.

 Sector-based services:

Employers located in Hempstead, and committed to permanent, full-time employment of a trainee through On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Customized Training programs may be eligible for Sector-based services. To qualify, businesses must comply with all local, state, and federal labor laws.

Other Services

Other

Benefits Advisement

CEO helps individuals with disabilities navigate SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare programs. Our benefits planner, provides guidance on work incentives available during education, training, and employment. This ensures individuals maximize their resources while maintaining eligibility where applicable.

Legal Support

CEO provides independent vocational and assistive technology evaluations, primarily in New York City. Services include compensatory service evaluations, document reviews (IEPs, psychological reports), impartial hearing testimony, and affidavit creation and notarization.