Overview of ORS Pre-employment Transition Services

Vocational rehabilitation agencies and schools are required by law to provide certain transition services and supports to improve post-school outcomes of students with disabilities.

The 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to set aside at least 15% of their federal funds to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services. WIOA affords Rhode Island's Office of Rehabilitation Services the opportunity to provide Pre-Ets services to students with disabilities who have IEPs or 504 plans, regardless of application status. These Pre-ETS Services are authorized on a fee-for-service basis, with ORS-approved vendors, to students with disabilities. 

The intent of Pre-Employment Transition Services is to:

• improve the transition of students with disabilities from school to postsecondary education or to an employment outcome.
• increase opportunities for students with disabilities to practice and improve workplace readiness skills through work-based learning experiences in a competitive, integrated work setting. 
• increase opportunities for students with disabilities to explore post-secondary training options, leading to more industry recognized credentials, and meaningful post-secondary employment.

Pre-employment transition services:

• represent the earliest set of services available for students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services
• are short-term in nature
• are designed to help students identify career interests, which may be further explored through additional vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, such as transition services and other individualized VR services
• are provided to all who meet the definition of a student with a disability who may need such services.

Who can participate in Pre-Ets services?

One or more Pre-Employment Transition Services can be provided to students with disabilities who have been determined eligible or are potentially eligible for VR services, are interested in employment, and who have an identified need for Pre-Employment Transition Services. 

A student with a disability is an individual who is in a recognized education program, is at least 14 years of age but not yet 21 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 Rehab Act. 

When and where do Pre-Employment Transition Services take place? 

ORS works in collaboration with schools and other community partners to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services. These services may be provided individually or in groups. They may take place during or after school hours or in the summer depending on the activity, duration, availability of the student and coordination with partners. 

Which students need a “Registration for Pre-Employment Transition Services” form completed? 

School staff will complete the referral process and form for a student with a disability who is potentially eligible for VR services and has a need for Pre-Employment Transition Services. The VR Counselor will then meet with the student and discuss service options. The “Registration for Pre-ETS services form" is not necessary for students who have already been determined eligible for VR services and have an open case with ORS. 

Why does the “Registration for Pre-Employment Transition Services” need to be completed? 

This form documents the need for Pre-Employment Transition Services for potentially eligible students and serves as a signed release of information for ORS to authorize for Pre-Employment Transition Services. The registration form must be signed by the individual and if applicable, his/her parent or legal guardian. 

When can a potentially eligible student open a VR case? 

A potentially eligible student may apply for VR services at any time; however, formal application is not required to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services. If a potentially eligible student requires more individualized VR services (e.g. job development, job coaching, transportation for participation in services) they would need to apply for VR services, be found eligible, and work with an ORS Counselor to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). 

VR Counselors can help students choose necessary services: 

Guidance and Counseling ~ Community Based Work Experiences ~Information about Careers and Resources Instruction in Self Advocacy ~ Job Exploration ~ Work Place Readiness Training Counseling on Opportunities for Post-Secondary Training and Educational Options 

When are Pre-ETS services complete?

 Pre-Employment Transition Services end when the student leaves school. These services are designed to be an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities necessary for movement from school to post-school activities that will maximize their potential to enter competitive integrated employment 

Pre-ETS services are offered in five focus areas: 

(1) Job Exploration Counseling 

(2) Work-Based Learning 

(3) Counseling on Opportunities for Enrollment in Comprehensive Transition or Post-Secondary Educational Programs

(4) Workplace Readiness Training

(5) Self-Advocacy.

1. PRE-ETS Job Exploration Counseling

   ORS has the following Pre-ETS Services in this focus area:

   • Pre-ETS Job Exploration Counseling
   • Pre-ETS Connect 2 Careers

   ORS has a fact sheet for each of these services.
   
   Policy and procedural guidance on Pre-ETS and Transition is available.

2. PRE-ETS Work-Based Learning Experiences

   ORS has the following PRE-ETS Services in this focus area:

   • Pre-ETS Transition Academy
   • Pre-ETS Community-Based Work Experience
   • Pre-ETS SBVI Real World of Work
   • Pre-ETS Summer Work
   • Pre-ETS College Summer Work
   • Pre-ETS Summer Employment Alliance

   ORS has a fact sheet for each of these services.
   
   Policy and procedural guidance on Pre-ETS and Transition is available.

3. Counseling on Opportunities for Enrollment in Comprehensive Transition or Post-Secondary Educational Programs at Institutions of Higher Education

   ORS has the following Pre-ETS Services in this focus area:

   • Pre-ETS College Planning Forum

   ORS has a fact sheet for each of these services.
   
   Policy and procedural guidance on Pre-ETS and Transition is available.

4. Workplace Readiness Training to Develop Social Skills and Independent Living Skills

   ORS has the following Pre-ETS Services in this focus area:

   • Pre-ETS Tri-Employment Program
   • Pre-ETS Project Search

   ORS has a fact sheet for each of these services.
   
   Policy and procedural guidance on Pre-ETS and Transition is available.

5. Instruction in Self-Advocacy

   ORS has the following Pre-ETS Services in this focus area:

   • Pre-ETS Dare to Dream
   • Pre-ETS SBVI Youth in Transition Services

   ORS has a fact sheet for each of these services.
   
   Policy and procedural guidance on Pre-ETS and Transition is available.

   For more information, please contact Administrator, Karen Davis, at 401.486.5300 or by email at karen.davis@ors.ri.gov or Assistant Administrator - Transition, Barbara Mulligan at 401.787.2498 or by email at barbara.mulligan@ors.ri.gov.