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Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Pre-ETS offers students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (VRB) work with students with disabilities, including students with Deafness and other Hearing Impairments and their families, schools, and community partners to support them with gaining knowledge and experiences necessary so they may make informed decisions about their career paths and create a plan for their future.

WHAT IS PRE-ETS?

  1. Instruction in Self-Advocacy
  2. Career Exploration Counseling
  3. Workplace Readiness Training
  4. Counseling on Post-Secondary Education
  5. Work-Based Learning Experiences

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PRE-ETS?

  • Offers real-world work experience through internships and part-time jobs while teaching self-advocacy and independent living skills to enhance employability and autonomy.
  • Facilitates career exploration, develops essential workplace skills, and assists in planning for further education to align with career goals.
  • Supports a seamless transition to post-school activities and adult life, including connection with adult services and encouraging active community participation.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

  • Students who have an IEP plan, 504 plan, or documented disability
  • Age 14 to age 21
  • Enrolled in a recognized educational program

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO APPLY?

  • Completed Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS) Referral Form
  • Release of Information signed by the parent/guardian
  • Copy of IEP plan, 504 plan or documentation of disability

PRE-ETS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Career Interest Assessments
  • Job Exploration
  • Job Search Training/Soft Skills Training
  • Internships
  • Peer-Mentoring
  • Work Based Learning Experiences
  • Preparation for Post-Secondary Education

HOW ARE SERVICES RECEIVED?

To request Pre-Employment Transition Services, contact your School Counselor or School Transition staff if you are a student with a disability. The Pre-ETS Referral information is to be completed by the school staff for students with a disability.

You may also contact the VR District office in your area. Each District office has a VR Transition Counselor or a VRB Counselor assigned to the local education agency. The completed Pre-ETS Referral Form and documentation of the disability can be submitted to the Transition Portal email address below.

The request for Pre-ETS Referral Form is not necessary for students who have an open VR case with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (VRB). Students, families, and educators can work directly with VR/VRB staff to get connected to Pre-ETS.

For more information, email vrtransitionservices@mdrs.ms.gov

Click HERE for the Pre-ETS Referral Form