Pre-ETS & VR Transition Services
The Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) works together with students, youth, families, schools and community agencies and organizations to provide services that promote successful transitions from school to work and adult life. DRS offers two sets of services to help students with disabilities move from school to post-school life: pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) transition services. Learn more about these services and get connected by clicking on the links below.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) | Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services
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Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Pre-ETS offer students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life. Beginning at age 14, students with disabilities can connect with DARS for Pre-ETS. DARS works with students, their families, their schools and community partners to enrich transition planning and support students with gaining knowledge and experiences necessary so they may make informed decisions about their future. Topics covered through Pre-ETS include: career exploration; work-based learning experiences; exploration of education and training programs for after high school; workplace readiness training to develop social and independent living skills; and self-advocacy.
Job Exploration Counseling
Explore career interests and foster motivation
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Use the workplace to gain knowledge and skills that connect school experiences to career opportunities
Counseling on Educational and Training Options
Learn about postsecondary education and training opportunities and resources
Workplace Readiness Training
Prepare for adult life by developing social and independent living skills
Instruction in Self Advocacy
Learn how to effectively communicate your needs and direct your life
Transition Services
DRS collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower youth with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. If eligible for VR transition services, your DRS Counselor will work with you, your family, and your school to develop an employment plan. This plan will include steps to help you achieve employment that is meaningful to you and that leads to a successful career.
DARS Continuum of Transition Services - Fast Facts ■ (PEATC) Pre-Employment Transition Services Flyer
Frequently Asked Questions open all close all
- Diagnostics, Evaluation, Assessment
- Disability awareness counseling
- Vocational and career path counseling
- Job seeking and job retention counseling
- Access to Employment Resource Centers - job searching and finding employment leads
- Job Placement
- Driver Evaluation
- On-the-job Training
- Follow along services after placement
DRS may provide specialized programs and services that cater to individual needs, skills and abilities by experienced professionals.
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Training
- Supported Employment
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Work Adjustment
- Post-Secondary Education Programs (vocational, technical, college, or certificate programs)
- External Training Option (through Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center)
- Life Skills Training (through community based providers or WWRC)
- Durable Medical Equipment or Other Goods
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Related Services
- Transportation
- Rehabilitation Technology/Accommodations
- Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
- Community Rehabilitation Case Management Services(CRCMS)
- Centers for Independent Living
- Supportive Services
- Therapies (Speech, OT, PT, etc.)
The Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) provides integrated medical and vocational rehabilitation services addressing the comprehensive needs of clients to improve independence and employability. WWRC’s Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT) Program provides students with opportunities to explore careers and develop life skills. Click below to learn more about PERT and other WWRC program offerings.
DRS supports are a voluntary service. If you are eligible, DRS is here to help you remove barriers to employment.
You should begin talking with your DRS Transition Counselor about 3 years before you plan to leave high school.
However, if you have unique circumstances or requests for services, you may call your DRS Counselor at any point.
For more information please contact an office in your locality,
or call:
1-800-552-5019 (Voice)
1-800-464-9950 (TTY)
