WIOA contains many specific terms and phrases. Below are condensed definitions for some important terms. Complete definitions of all terminology associated with WIOA can be found at the Code of Federal Regulations. § 361.5 Applicable definitions web page.
Applicant
An individual who submits an application for vocational rehabilitation services in accordance with § 361.41(b)(2).
Competitive integrated employment
Work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment) and for which an individual is compensated at a rate that is not less than the rate required under the applicable State or local minimum wage law for the place of employment; the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and, in the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are self-employed in similar occupations or on similar tasks and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees.
Additionally, the work is at a location typically found in the community; the employee with a disability interacts for the purpose of performing the duties of the position with other employees within the particular work unit and the entire work site, and, as appropriate to the work performed, other persons (e.g., customers and vendors), who are not individuals with disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are providing services to such employee) to the same extent that employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who are in comparable positions interact with these persons.
And the work presents, opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who have similar positions.
Eligible individual
An applicant for vocational rehabilitation services who meets the eligibility requirements of § 361.42(a).
Employment outcome
Entering, advancing in, or retaining full-time or, if appropriate, part-time competitive integrated employment, (including customized employment, self-employment, telecommuting, or business ownership), or supported employment that is consistent with an individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
Individual who is blind
A person who is blind within the meaning of applicable State law.
Individual with a disability
An individual who has a physical or mental impairment; whose impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and who can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from the provision of vocational rehabilitation services.
Pre-employment transition services
The required activities and authorized activities specified in § 361.48(a)(2) and (3).
Student with a disability
In general, an individual with a disability in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program who - Is not younger than the earliest age for the provision of transition services or older than 21 years of age; is eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.); or a student who is an individual with a disability, for purposes of section 504.
Transition services
A coordinated set of activities for a student or youth with a disability designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, competitive integrated employment, supported employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
Youth with a disability
An individual with a disability who is not younger than 14 years of age or older than 24 years of age.