Pre-Employment Transition Services

WIOA Statement:

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and now requires vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to set aside at least 15% of their federal funds to provide "Pre-Employment Transition Services" to "students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services."

Watch the animated Pre-ETS video to learn more about WHAT are Pre-Employment Transition Services:

Download video here

  • WHAT are Pre-Employment Transition Services?
    • Pre-ETS are a coordinated set of activities, designed with an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities organized in collaboration with local school staff;
    • Available to enhance and support secondary education transition planning, not replace or supplant transition requirements;
    • Intended to work toward alignment of the student’s IEP and/or High School and Beyond Plan goals;
    • Coordinated activities that are based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s skills, abilities, preferences and interests;
    • Must be provided on the basis of individual need
      • The five required pre-employment transition services are not mandated to be provided to each student with a disability if all the activities are not necessary; and
    • Are services that support the student’s informed choice for participation
  • WHO is eligible for Pre-Employment Transition Services?
    • Students who are enrolled  in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program
    • Students who are no younger than the earliest age for the provision of transition services under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and/or Washington Administrative Code in relation to “appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education”
      • Typically ages 16 through 21
    • Students who are eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or is an individual with a disability, for purposes of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
      • Students who have an IEP, a 504 plan, or a documented disability
  • WHAT Pre-Employment transition services are available?

Job Exploration

  • Students explore the world of work and learn more about their interests, abilities and future goals

Self-Advocacy

  • Students develop the skills necessary to flourish in work and everyday life

Work-Based Learning

  • Students have the opportunity to gain work experience prior to graduation

Workplace Readiness Training

  • Students learn what it takes to work in the real world, including job-related independent living skills

Post-Secondary Education Counseling

  • Students receive guidance on how to gain education and/or technical training past high school