CHAPTER 3: How to Conduct an Intake In addition to obtaining the required demographic, work history, and other information collected on all persons served, there may be other points to consider when working with a person with a disability. Determining their educational credentials might be one of the areas that could be somewhat specific to a person who has been identified as having a disability at birth or up through elementary, middle school and high school. An individual who did not have a disability during these growth years, but who may have had an accident or medical issue that developed in young adulthood (18 or older) would be able to tell you what level of education the person completed. Bear in mind, a person who might have had an injury that created a permanent disability may not be able to function or reason at the level of his or her completed educational grade. This would require some judgment on the Career Coach to determine what future training based on the person’s functional capacity versus attained educational level is feasible. EDUCATION CATEGORIES An honors diploma indicates a high level of academic achievement. The requirements for receiving an honors diploma vary but generally include higher level classes, such as foreign languages and honors or advanced placement courses. The guidance department at your school can advise you of the requirements necessary to earn an honors diploma. General Diploma Most high-school graduates receive a general diploma. A general diploma indicates that the graduate has met the basic graduation requirements established by your state's department of education. These requirements commonly include at least three years of science, math, history and English, along with an assortment of electives. Occupational Diploma Students who participate in a vocational program receive an occupational diploma. A vocational program allows a student to not only focus on general subjects like general math, English and science, but it also provides them with the opportunity to focus on classes to help develop their vocational skills. Vocational schools allow students to earn credits in cosmetology, automotive repair and more. This diploma indicates the successful completion of a job preparation program. Many skilled trade industries accept an occupational diploma as an indication that the graduate has the skills necessary to obtain an entry level position in the field. Some vocational programs offer industry-recognized certifications along with the general occupational diploma that they receive from their home high school.
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