Since the late 1970s, the Pittsburgh Public School system has hired Certified Rehabilitation Counselors to provide services for students with disabilities, ranging from ensuring accommodations are in place to providing transition services that prepare them for life after high school. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 7.5 million, or 15% of all public school students, receive special education services. Because these services are so vital, Pittsburgh Public Schools prioritizes ensuring that qualified, highly trained professionals deliver them by hiring Certified Rehabilitation Counselors as part of the interdisciplinary team working in the special education program at their schools. One of those CRCs is our guest for this episode.

Crystal Evans is the Transition Coordinator for Pittsburgh Public Schools and has been with the school system for 18 years. Crystal spoke with me about the impact transition services make on not only students with disabilities and their families, but also the community. You’ll also hear some thoughts on how employer outreach can help destigmatize hiring individuals with disabilities, and a few success stories that point to the importance of ensuring every student has this quality of professionalism and service.