CA Dept. of Rehabilitation — Student Services
Free for Students Ages 16–26Free work experience, job training, and career support for 209-area students with disabilities. Offices in Stockton, Modesto, and Merced — no cost to you, ever.
What is the Department of Rehabilitation?
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is a state agency that provides free vocational rehabilitation services to help students and adults with disabilities find, keep, and advance in jobs.
For students ages 16–21 with an IEP or 504 plan, DOR offers a fast-track pathway called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) — no full VR application required. For students 18–26 pursuing career goals, DOR also offers full Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services including college funding, training, and job placement support.
All services are provided at no cost to eligible students and their families.
Student Work Experience Program (SWEP)
SWEP is DOR's signature paid work experience program for high school students with disabilities. Through SWEP, students are placed with real employers — government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses — and earn California minimum wage or higher for their work. DOR handles the payroll.
SWEP placements in the 209 area include positions at city and county departments, healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations. Students typically work part-time during the school year or full-time during summer.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Five free services available to any student with a disability ages 16–21 — no full VR application needed.
Job Exploration Counseling
Tailored career advice based on your interests, strengths, and goals. Explore in-demand occupations and labor market trends in the 209 area and beyond.
Work-Based Learning
Paid and unpaid work experiences, internships, and job shadowing with real employers. Includes SWEP placements and short-term work trials at local businesses.
Postsecondary Enrollment Counseling
Guidance on applying to college, vocational programs, and trade schools. Learn about disability support services at Delta College, MJC, UC Merced, and more.
Work Readiness Training
Professional skills development including workplace behavior, time management, communication, and how to disclose a disability to an employer.
Self-Advocacy Instruction
Learn your rights under the ADA, how to request accommodations, and how to speak up for yourself in school and workplace settings.
Ready to get started?
Contact your nearest DOR office to ask about Pre-ETS. Bring your IEP or 504 plan if you have one — or just call and ask what documentation you need.
Find Your Office →Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) & the STEP Program
DOR partnered with the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) to create the Student Training and Employment Program (STEP) — a structured, year-round internship and work experience pipeline specifically for students with disabilities enrolled at California community colleges.
Through STEP, community college students with disabilities are placed with employers for paid work-based learning experiences. FCCC acts as a neutral third party, helping coordinate placements between DOR counselors, college disability programs (DSPS offices), and employers.
In the 209 area, STEP-affiliated placements have been available through San Joaquin Delta College (Stockton), Modesto Junior College, and Merced College.
209 Community Colleges with DSPS
Each of these colleges has a Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) office that coordinates with DOR. Start here if you're a community college student:
Ask your DSPS counselor: "Can you refer me to DOR for a SWEP or STEP placement?"
FCCC Resources
The Foundation for California Community Colleges runs workforce programs across the state.
FCCC STEP Program →All DOR Programs for Students
Programs vary by age, school level, and disability type. Ask your DOR counselor which ones you qualify for.
We-Can-Work (WCW)
Work-based learning program for high school students with disabilities. Provides paid and unpaid work placements, job shadowing, and summer employment through partnerships with local school districts.
Learn more →WorkAbility III (WAIII)
Career counseling, resume help, mock interviews, job leads, and employer connections — coordinated through your community college's DSPS office and your DOR vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Learn more →WorkAbility IV (WAIV)
Enhanced employment services for students attending California State University or University of California campuses. Includes vocational assessment, internship placement, and job development with employer outreach.
Learn more →College-to-Career (C2C)
A 3-year structured program for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. Year 1: career exploration. Year 2: internships and soft skills. Year 3: job placement with ongoing specialist support toward competitive employment.
Learn more →Student Training & Employment (STEP/FCCC)
Year-round paid W2 work experience coordinated between DOR, FCCC, and community colleges. Includes job preparation, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy training. Check with your local office for current availability.
Learn more →Full Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
For students 16+ with longer-term career goals, full VR services can fund college tuition, job training, certifications, assistive technology, transportation, and more. Requires a separate application and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Learn more →How to Apply for DOR Student Services
Contact your nearest DOR office
Call or walk in to the Stockton, Modesto, or Merced office. You can also start by asking your school's special education or 504 coordinator to refer you — schools often have an existing contact at DOR.
Gather your documentation
Bring your most recent IEP or 504 plan if you have one. Also helpful: a recent report card, proof of enrollment, and any disability-related documentation from a doctor or school psychologist. DOR can still help you even if you don't have all of this.
Complete the Student Services Plan (Form DR 203)
For Pre-ETS (students 16–21 with IEP or 504), you'll fill out a simple Student Services Plan Request. This is faster than a full VR application and gets you access to work experience and training quickly.
Meet with your DOR counselor
A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will meet with you to understand your goals, assess your needs, and connect you to the right programs — whether that's a SWEP placement, job training, or college funding.
Start your work experience or training
Once matched with a placement or program, DOR handles the employer coordination, payroll (for SWEP), and ongoing check-ins. You just show up and do the work.
DOR Offices Serving the 209
All three offices provide the full range of student services. Walk-ins welcome; appointments recommended.
Stockton District Office
San Joaquin CountyStockton, CA 95210
Modesto District Office
Stanislaus CountyMerced Office
Merced CountyMerced, CA 95340
Voicemail available 24hrs
Finding Certified DOR Vendors in the 209
DOR works with approved Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) — also called certified vendors — to deliver specialized services including:
Your DOR counselor will refer you to a certified vendor when appropriate. You can also search the directory yourself to see what providers are available near you.
Rehabilitation Resources Directory (RRD)
The official state database of DOR-certified service providers. Search by ZIP code or city to find vendors near Stockton, Modesto, or Merced.
Search RRD →Need Help Finding a Vendor?
DOR's Community Resources Development Section can help you identify certified vendors in the 209 area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get connected?
Call your nearest DOR office, talk to your school's special education or 504 coordinator, or visit dor.ca.gov/home/studentservices to learn more.