How can Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help me?
MassAbility's Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) offer students with disabilities aged 14-21 a chance to explore the working world. We work with partners statewide and cater to a broad spectrum of interests and goals. Our Pre-ETS specialists assist in exploring careers, creating actionable plans, and support making decisions or trying new things. From first summer jobs to post-school career paths, we help students from different educational backgrounds prepare for independence.
Pre-ETS providers focus on five core services to offer students during the program.
- Job exploration and counseling
- Workplace readiness training
- Work-based learning experiences
- Counseling on post-secondary education or training
- Self-advocacy and peer mentoring
Every student is different, and there isn’t a “one-size-fits all” solution. Pre-ETS providers work with each student to find what type of job or career path best suits them. Students can expect a three-tier approach from providers to help build job awareness and confidence.
Building Awareness
- Are they looking for a summer job?
- Do they want to know about available positions?
- Do they need help filling out work permits?
The provider will help explore what’s available for the student.
Career Exploration
- What career interests them?
- What education and skills will they need?
The provider will help explore the training requirements for their goals and possible internships available for the student.
Preparation after Pre-ETS
Two years before graduating (or turning 22), interested students should connect with their provider to beging receiving career services and meet a career counselor. The new career counselor counselor will pick up where the Pre-ETS provider left off, helping the student transition to a career path and connect with potential employers.
Students in the 688 Program
If the student is eligible for the 688 Program, their school system will connect them with a designated adult agency. Together, they will develop an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) and prepare a program that’s right for the student.
Non-Traditional School or Education
Pre-ETS services aren’t just for students in a traditional high school. Students enrolled in vocational schools, college courses, or training programs can still be eligible to work with a provider, as long as they are under the age of 22.
Every school in the Commonwealth is assigned a Pre-Ets provider and a MassAbility counselor as a resource. If you would like to receive more information about finding the provider for your student, contact your school’s guidance office or local MassAbility Office.
Additional Resources
- Types of MassAbility Referrals for Students and Youth
- Career Programs and Services
- SPED Advisory 2020-1
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Open PDF file, 1.06 MB, Pre-ETS Brochure (English, PDF 1.06 MB)
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Open PDF file, 2.97 MB, Pre-ETS Poster (English, PDF 2.97 MB)
Who can I work with?
MassAbility currently has 34 pre-ETS community providers that you can connect with through your MassAbility contact.
| Pre-ETS Provider Name | Website | Contracted MassAbility Office(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Advocates Inc | advocates.org | Sturbridge |
| American Training | americantraininginc.com | Lawrence, Lowell |
| Associates For Human Services | ahsinc.org | Taunton |
| Attleboro Enterprises | attleboroenterprises.org | Taunton |
| Berkshire County Arc (BCARC) | bcarc.org | Berkshires |
| Best Buddies International | bestbuddies.org | Braintree, Plymouth |
| Bosten Center for Independent Living (BCIL) | bostoncil.org | Boston, Roxbury |
| CapeAbilities | capeabilities.org | Cape and Islands |
| Center for Living and Working | centerlw.org | Fitchburg, Milford, Southbridge, Worcester |
| Center of Hope Foundation | thecenterofhope.org | Southbridge |
| Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled | cordcapecod.org | Cape |
| Community Connections | communityconnectionsinc.org | Fall River |
| CRC Vocational Services | crcservicesllc.com | Springfield, Greenfield |
| MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board | masshiregreaterlowell.com | Lowell |
| Easterseals | easterseals.com | Worcester |
| Fidelity House | fidelityhhs.org | Lawrence, Salem |
| M.O. Life | molifeinc.com | New Bedford |
| Marriot Foundation for People with Disabilities | marriottfoundation.org | Boston, Roxbury |
| Martha's Vineyard Community Services | mvcommunityservices.org | Cape and Islands |
| New England Business Associates | nebaworks.com | Greenfield, Springfield |
| NILP | nilp.org | Fitchburg, Lowell, Lawrence |
| Partners for Youth with Disabilities | pyd.org | Boston, Roxbury, Somerville |
| Riverside Industries | rsi.org | Springfield |
| SCIL (Southeast Center for Independent Living, INC.) | Secil.org | Fall River |
| Seven Hills | sevenhills.org | Framingham, Worcester |
| STAVROS | stavros.org | Greenfield, Springfield |
| Tempus | tempusunlimited.org | Braintree, Brockton, Plymouth, Taunton |
| Triangle | triangle-inc.org | Brockton, Salem, Somerville |
| Viability | viability.org | Greenfield, North Adams, Pittsfield, Salem, Southbridge, Springfield, Worcester |
| Vinfen | vinfen.org | Somerville |
| Work Inc. | workinc.org | Boston, Braintree, Fitchburg, Roxbury |
| Work Opportunities Unlimited | workopportunities.net | Fall River, Framingham, Milford, Springfield |