Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) are two of the strongest tools in the special education professional’s toolbox. Let’s see how these programs can help your students.
What is Pre-ETS?
Pre-ETS helps students with disabilities by providing services such as job exploration, work-based learning, workplace readiness, self-advocacy instruction, and info about postsecondary training options. VR funds Pre-ETS, as a supplement to what a school provides.
Any student from 14–22 years old with an IEP or 504 plan can receive help from Pre-ETS, whether or not they have applied for or been found eligible for VR services. The services offered by Pre-ETS are available in all Indiana counties; review this listing to see which provider offers services in your school.
. . . but don’t stop there!
What are VR services?
While Pre-ETS provides a needed start in the transition to adulthood, students with disabilities should also apply for VR services. Why? Because VR can provide many individualized services for students after high school, including:
- vocational guidance and counseling,
- job placement assistance,
- job training,
- tutors and note-takers, and
- rehabilitation technology.
These are just a few examples; VR allocates services based on individual need. With student/guardian permission, teachers can help students access VR services by:
- inviting the VR counselor to the student’s case conference their junior and senior years,
- referring the student for VR services no later than the last semester of their exit year, and
- ensuring students apply as a part of their IEP Transition Services and Activities or as a part of their Pre-ETS services before exiting high school.
Refer any student to VR who you think might benefit. It is up to VR to determine whether they are eligible and what services they will receive.
Resources
Working with Indiana VR video