The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 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 (Pre-ETS) to "Students with Disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services." Pre-ETS offer students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life.
High school students who have an Individualized Educational Program (IEP), Section 504 accommodation Plan, or who are involved with a school's Student Assistance Program may be appropriate referrals to OVR.
Beginning at age 14, students with disabilities can connect with OVR for Pre-ETS. OVR 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.
Pre-ETS help students with disabilities learn about themselves, understand work requirements, practice work skills, choose a career, and explore training options. Pre-ETS are meant to supplement, not replace, Transition Services a student may be receiving through a school or service provider.
TYPES OF PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES
Self-Advocacy Instruction helps students with disabilities build skills to solve problems and communicate their own needs and interests.
Job Exploration helps students with disabilities learn about jobs and pick a career.
Workplace Readiness Training teaches students with disabilities how to get and keep a job.
Work Based Learning Experience use community workplaces to provide students with disabilities the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities.
Counseling on Postsecondary Options helps students with disabilities decide if college or training after high school is right for them.
IEP Meeting Attendance and Consultation provides the IEP team with information about OVR services to determine the appropriate time to refer the student to an OVR Counselor for individualized case services, along with information about community resources that can assist in coordinating Transition Services.
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