Programs that administer tests which measure an individual's skills, abilities, interests, personality traits and other attributes for success in different occupational areas or specific positions. Also included are programs that allow people to "try out" jobs in the community for short periods of time to determine whether there is a fit and, in the case of people with disabilities, to determine the type of supports the individual might require to succeed if hired for that type of job.

Programs broadly available to individuals with disabilities in general (rather than focusing on special groups within the disability population) that provide vocational assessment, job development, job training, job placement, specialized job situations and/or other supportive services that help people with disabilities prepare for, find and retain paid employment.

Programs that enable individuals with disabilities, people who abuse drugs or alcohol, or people who have emotional problems to obtain the training and employment experiences they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Services may include vocational evaluation, work adjustment, work experience, training in marketable skills and placement in competitive employment or a sheltered work environment.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

A severe, chronic disability that is attributable to a cognitive, neurological or physical impairment or a combination of cognitive, neurological and physical impairments; that is manifested during the developmental period (prior to age 22); that is likely to continue indefinitely; and that results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity including self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

Physical, mental or developmental disabilities that pose substantial barriers to an individual's ability to maintain independent living and which place the individual at risk of institutionalization without varying degrees of community support or which may leave no other choice than institutionalization.

A neurological disorder that affects one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language. The disability may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or to do mathematical calculations. Learning disabilities should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps; of intellectual disabilities; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantages.

An alteration in thinking, mood or behavior or some combination of those that either creates distress or interferes with people's relationships or their ability function.

Any of a variety of conditions that may be due to muscular, skeletal or neuromuscular disorders, paralysis or absence of one or more limbs, which impose physical limitations on the individual.

Individuals whose ethnic background and ancestry are that of the tribal, aboriginal peoples who originated in what is now the United States. Included are Native Americans who are living on or off reservations in rural and urban areas.

Employed individuals who have physical, sensory, developmental, cognitive, mental or emotional limitations.

Individuals and families of Native American descent who have needs and interests in common based on living in areas recognized by the federal or a state government as being set aside for the use of Native Americans and governed by Native Americans.