Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students with Disabilities

Pre-ETS

Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students with Disabilities

• WIOA increases opportunities to practice and improve workplace skills, such as through internships and other work-based learning opportunities; and

• WIOA requires VR agencies to reserve not less than 15 percent of the Federal VR allotment to provide, or arrange for the provision of, pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities transitioning from school to postsecondary education programs and employment in competitive integrated settings, and that these services be coordinated with local educational agencies (LEA).

 

Definition of “Student with a Disability”

A student with a disability is an individual who:

• Is in an educational program; and

• Meets certain age requirements; and

• Is eligible for and receiving special education or related services under IDEA; or

• Is an individual with a disability for purposes of section 504 of the Act.

• Is in an educational program; and

• Meets certain age requirements; and

• Is eligible for and receiving special education or related services under IDEA; or

• Is an individual with a disability for purposes of section 504 of the Act.

 

Age range requirements for a student with a disability:

Minimum age: Not younger than the earliest age to receive transition services under IDEA; or

Not younger than the earliest age, if determined by the State as being different, to receive pre-employment transition services.

Maximum age: Not older than 21 years old; or

Not older than the highest age determined by the State to receive services under IDEA, if older than 21 years of age.

 

Population to Receive Pre-Employment Transition Services

Pre-employment transition services are provided to “students with disabilities” who are:

• Eligible for VR services; or

• Potentially eligible for VR services (i.e. all students with disabilities, including those who have not applied or been determined eligible for VR services).

 

Pre-Employment Transition Services includes 5 Required Services which can be provided in a group setting or on an individual basis:

1. Job and Career Exploration Counseling

2. Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school, after school, or community-based opportunities

3. Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living; and

4. Instruction in self-advocacy, including peer mentoring.

5. Counseling on Postsecondary Education Opportunities