Viability Pre-ETS

Pre-ETS - Pre-Employment Transition Services - Pre-ETS include existing and new services to address the career development needs of students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are defined as individuals with disabilities in secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education programs who are age 16-21. This service will assist students through the provision of pre-employment services with the objective of preparing students for successful long-term employment consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice. Community providers are encouraged to develop and provide a full array of Pre-ETS to assist young adults with their transition to the world of work.

Pre-ETS will replace Youth Employment Services (YES). YES provided the foundation for developing Pre-ETS, which reflect the final WIOA regulations for the Rehabilitation Act. Under WIOA, ACCES-VR is required to provide students with disabilities with Pre-ETS. Pre-ETS include job and career exploration counseling and activities, work-based learning experiences, counseling on postsecondary options, and instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring. Pre-ETS is not intended to shift the responsibility of service delivery from school districts to vocational rehabilitation. School districts will continue to be responsible for providing transition planning and educational services. Pre-ETS service provision should accommodate an academic calendar as necessary. For students enrolled in secondary school, Pre-ETS are recommended to begin to be offered at age 16.

Pre-ETS should focus on the unique concerns and issues of students with disabilities as related to preparing for employment, evaluating post-secondary education options, and developing employment related soft skills and obtaining work experience. Pre-ETS may combine individual services in a meaningful way to enhance job readiness.

• Post-Secondary Counseling for Students - To provide students with counseling related to education options after high school;

• Job Exploration Counseling for Students - To provide students with counseling related to careers options after high school;

• Self-Advocacy for Students – To develop self-advocacy skills;

• Work Readiness for Students – To enhance career exploration and develop soft skills;

• Work-Based Learning Development for Students – To develop an internship, work try-out or work-based learning experience. Work-Based Learning Development may be used as a stand-alone service;

• Work-Based Learning Experience for Students – To assist with paid work experience in instances where the employer is unable to place the student on his/her payroll; and

• Work-Based Coaching Supports for Students (for employment) – To provide coaching for supports youth engaged in paid work experiences.

For more information, please visit the NYS Viability Pre-ETS website HERE