Planning for Your Future

1/26/2022

How many of you planned for your future when you were children? As we all know, planning for the future can be a daunting task. As children, we often dream about having a house, a job, retiring, a nice car, etc. but how do we make these desires come to light? We PLAN! Without assistance, the planning process can be difficult and often seem impossible. When working with individuals with disabilities, this type of support is required.


The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) §300.43(a)(1) defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of students. The set of activities is centered on the student, looking further into their strengths, interests, and preferences. What better way to help students plan for the future they are dreaming about than to offer pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS), supported by evidence-based practices. These services are designed to be the following:

  • Based on student's needs

  • Help assist students with identifying their career interests and values

  • Short-term in nature

  • Group settings/individual basis

  • Must be 14 to 21 (22 if a student is still attending post-secondary school)

  • Students receiving services under IDEA or a 504 plan


With that being said, what are the five Pre-ETS categories?

  1. Job exploration counseling

  2. Work-based learning

  3. Post-secondary counseling

  4. Workplace readiness

  5. Self-advocacy


While the categories are consistent, depending on the state and program you are in, services within each model can differ. The overall goal of job exploration counseling is developing career awareness, identifying employment interests, and reaching out to others in this career to learn more. With work-based learning, students are learning more about what steps to take to get a job (e.g., resumes, volunteering). In the post-secondary counseling category, students are learning about different college opportunities (degree, certificates), federal student aid/grants/scholarships. Workplace readiness tends to focus on money management, time management, communication skills, etc. Training to develop common social skills in the workforce and independent living. Lastly, self-advocacy goes into a growth mindset, self-care topics, seeking accommodations in the workplace. Overall, the ability to understand oneself and have the capacity to communicate effectively and efficiently regarding your own needs.


Although post-school outcomes for students with disabilities have slowly increased over the years, their lifelong outcomes in employment and education are still well below those without disabilities. Pre-ETS is particularly special because it helps prepare students with disabilities with the knowledge and skills for future employment, increasing the likelihood of a successful transition into post-school life.