The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services provides services for students with disabilities as early as age 14, to help them transition into employment in early adulthood.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
This program is for students with disabilities aged 14 – 22 and provides opportunities to explore career interests and develop valuable work skills. Anyone with a documented disability who is enrolled at a recognized education program can benefit from these services.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Provides focused and individualized services to eligible students with disabilities to help them find and maintain employment. An application process to determine eligibility is required, and can begin while receiving Pre-ETS services.
Devion’s Story
Devion James started with DARS’ vocational rehabilitation program before he graduated. He is now one of C & E Farm’s top mechanics, servicing over 100 pieces of equipment each month.
FAQs
Pre-ETS is the first step in the help students can get from DARS as they get ready for life after high school. Pre-ETS lets students explore jobs and careers. Pre-ETS works together with the transition services students get at school.
VR services prepare a person to reach specific job goals. VR services are more tailored, focused, and long-term. They can start when you are still a student.
- Learn about and explore different jobs on job sites.
- Go on campus tours.
- Learn skills that help students get and keep a job.
- Learn about employer expectations.
- Learn about financial aid.
- Learn how to ask for accommodations.
- Identify career pathways.
- Go on interviews.
- Development of the Individualized Plan for Employment
- Situational assessments
- Assistive technology
- Vocational evaluation
- Vocational training
- Supported employment
- Postsecondary Education Job placement
- On-the-job training
- Job Development
- The Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT) program assists students transitioning from high school to adult life in discovering their abilities and career options.
Resources
- Center for Family Involvement: Pre-ETS Navigator
- Center on Transition Innovations
- PEATC: Guide to Transition to Adulthood
- More DARS resources for parents
This program is managed by the Division of Rehabilitative Services.