Transition is that exciting time when you begin to think about what you will do after graduating high school. This is an important time to explore opportunities and options available to you. Some students do not think about this until graduation, which means they miss out! The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services division of Iowa Workforce Development can provide a multitude of services that are tailored specifically to the needs of each individual. The services and supports you receive begin in high school and can continue throughout your career.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are activities for students with disabilities. They provide an early start at job exploration. They also assist with making decisions about post-secondary education or employment.
Job Exploration Counseling allows you to learn about different career options. You also learn work skills necessary to be successful.
Work-Based Learning Experiences connect you to real-life work activities and future career options.
Counseling on Opportunities gives information and guidance on post-secondary education and training opportunities.
Workplace Readiness Training helps develop employability skills, social skills, and independent living skills.
Instruction in Self-Advocacy teaches self-advocacy skills needed in education, work, and community settings.
How Can I Access Pre-ETS?
If you are a student with disabilities, you are considered to be potentially eligible for Pre-ETS if you are between the ages of 14 and 21 and have not yet applied for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. You need documentation of a disability and a completed Pre-ETS Agreement (Acuerdo de servicios de transición previos al empleo).
Both eligible and potentially eligible students are able to take part in Pre-ETS. If you do not have an employment plan, you'll need to complete a Pre-ETS Agreement. Then, you can take part in the Pre-ETS activities.
If you are interested in participating in Pre-ETS, please talk with your school staff or VR staff about getting started.
You may receive post-secondary training support from IVRS if you
Applied for VR services,
Have been determined eligible for services, and
Are in need of post-secondary training as part of your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Please contact your assigned VR staff for more information about the support available to you.
The general process for post-secondary training starts the same as it does with anyone else applying for VR. You can review the VR Process to learn more.
During Step 4: Plan Development, you and your assigned VR staff will plan out your employment goals. This includes any post-secondary training you may need.
Your assigned VR staff will gather some information for you. They may ask for your past transcripts, next semester schedule, and make sure that you applied to FAFSA if your training accepts it. They will verify schools and programs if needed.
During Step 5: Service Delivery, you will attend your training at the pace you have set.
Services are available to potentially assist with post-secondary costs.
Your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) will outline the services VR will assist with.
Yes, VR supports post-secondary training for non-traditional students. This is for as long as it is needed to support the agreed upon employment goal.
Please tell your assigned VR staff that you want to take part in a program that is not accredited. They will talk with you about similar options that are accredited at other post-secondary institutions.
If you have already applied for VR and have been determined eligible for services, please speak with your assigned VR staff about next steps.
If you have already applied and have been determined eligible for VR services in the state you live in, please contact them for more information.
Your employment goal and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) can be changed at any point in the process with the approval of both you and your assigned VR staff.
Your plan will be reviewed every year. This is to discuss your progress and determine if any other services are needed in order for you to be successful.
