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Vocational Rehabilitation

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Transition Services: Youth Transition Program

​​About the Youth Transition Program

Youth Transition Program

Established in 1990, the Oregon Youth Transition Program (YTP) is a collaborative partnership between the office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Oregon Department of Education, and the University of Oregon. It is funded by Vocational Rehabilitation every two-years through intergovernmental agreements with ​local school districts and ESDs. The purpose of the YTP is to prepare students with disabilities for employment or career related postsecondary education or training through the provision of a comprehensive array of pre-employment transition activities and supports.

YTP was developed initially in seven high schools as a federal system change grant. Today, YTP serves about 10,000 students in about 200 Oregon schools.​

YTP Technical Assistance changes July 1, 2023

YTP technical assistance and support will transfer from University of Oregon to ODHS VR staff on July 1, 2023. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​ about the planned change​ will be​ updated regularly and address common questions we are receiving​​. 

YTP Management Team

Contact Information

Michelle Markle - Statewide YTP Coordinator - Vocational Rehabilitation

Sally Simich - Secondary Transition Education Specialist for Oregon Department of Education

Charlotte Alverson - Research Associate ​Professor in Secondary Special Education and Transition at the University of Oregon

Joyce Douglas​ -  Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) for Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon and some mid-Willamette Valley​

Jesse Berkey - Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) for Marion, Polk and Clackamas county schools​

MaryJo Erickson - Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) for mid-Willamette Valley and South Coast Region

​Terry Falkenstern - Technical Assistant Provider (TAP) for Central and Eastern Oregon

Gerrit Wiebe - Technical Assistant Provider (TAP) for Northwest Oregon Region

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YTP is providing a VR service, and the Disability Rights Oregon offers advice and more related to services in Oregon, see Client Assistance Program (CAP) for more information.