When you’re in high school, it can be hard to imagine what life will look like after graduation. For students with disabilities, especially those who are blind or have low vision, this uncertainty can feel even greater. That’s where Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) come in. These programs are designed to provide early, hands-on experiences that prepare you for life after high school, whether that means more education, training, or entering the workforce.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services have long been available to help individuals with disabilities succeed in the workforce. Research indicates that youth who are introduced to career information and workplace skills early are more likely to thrive once they enter the workforce. Participating in a program to support you in exploring Pre-ETS is one of the best ways to make that early connection to the world of work!
What are Pre-ETS Services?
Pre-Employment Transition Services, often shortened to Pre-ETS, are short-term supports for high school students with disabilities. These services help students explore career paths, develop workplace readiness skills, and transition from school to further education or employment.
Who Provides Pre-ETS?
By law, both public schools and state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies must offer transition services to improve post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 requires VR agencies to provide Pre-ETS to students who are eligible (or potentially eligible) for services.
The purpose is straightforward: to provide students with the opportunity to identify their career interests, explore them, and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Full VR services build on these experiences, helping students turn their career goals into achievable plans.
What Services are Available through Pre-ETS?
Pre-ETS programs focus on five key areas:
- Job exploration counseling
- Work-based learning experiences
- Counseling on postsecondary education opportunities, apprenticeships, or trade schools
- Workplace readiness training
- Instruction in self-advocacy
Why are These Services Important?
For blind and low vision youth, these services are especially valuable. Unlike sighted peers, many students with vision loss have fewer opportunities to casually observe the world of work, such as watching a cashier scan groceries or noticing how employees interact in an office. Pre-ETS helps bridge that gap.
Another benefit is that many Pre-ETS activities overlap with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), which focuses on skills students with vision loss need to live and work independently. Through Pre-ETS, students can learn about the education and training required for different careers, the working conditions they might encounter, the accommodations they may need, and the workplace “soft skills” such as time management and communication. All of this contributes to building a stronger plan for life after high school.
Different Types of Pre-ETS Programs
Pre-ETS programs look different from state to state. A good place to start is by contacting your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. While general programs are designed for all students with disabilities, some states also offer programs tailored specifically for blind or visually impaired youth, often through a state blindness agency.
If your state doesn’t have a specialized program, don’t worry: your Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructor, or Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) can help adapt Pre-ETS activities to meet your unique needs.
Pre-ETS opportunities may be community-based or residential. Community-based services typically take place in your local area, often in coordination with your school or an agency serving individuals who are blind or low vision. They may include all the same components of a residential program or focus on specific areas.
Residential programs, on the other hand, are often more immersive. You may live alongside other students and staff while learning and practicing new skills. Some programs house students in community-based apartments, where they practice skills such as budgeting, food preparation, shopping, orientation and mobility (O&M), and community participation.
Purpose of Pre-ETS
The ultimate goal of Pre-ETS is to get students involved with Vocational Rehabilitation earlier. By doing so, you gain essential skills that make employment success more likely. It also helps you and your VR counselor create a more realistic employment goal and develop a strong Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Questions to Consider When Exploring Programs
Before choosing a program, think about what you want and need:
- What skills would you like to work on?
- What specific skills will be covered?
- Is transportation provided?
- Would you benefit from a residential program where you live away from home, or would a day program suit you better?
These questions can help you find the best match for your goals and comfort level.
Conclusion
Pre-Employment Transition Services serve as a powerful stepping stone toward independence and meaningful employment. Whether you attend a program during a school break, on weekends, or virtually, the experience can give you a head start on building the skills you’ll need after graduation. Some programs are limited to students within a state, while others accept participants nationwide.
Now is the perfect time to start exploring options for next year. By participating in Pre-ETS, you’re equipping yourself with the tools and confidence to create a successful future.