• This page, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), is   offered by
  • MassAbility

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Connecting individuals, age 14-21, with fulfilling careers

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. Working with partners statewide, we assist in career decision-making and future planning, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and goals, from first summer jobs to post-school career paths (up until their 22nd birthday).    

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 and possible internships available for the student.   

Preparation   

Two years before graduating (or turning 22), the student will want to begin to connect with us and meet your VR counselor. Your counselor will pick up where the Pre-ETS provider left off, helping the student transition to a career path. 

Students in the 688 Program   

If the student is eligible for the 688 Program, your 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.   

Beyond High School

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

Who can I work with?

MassAbility currently has 34 pre-ETS community providers that you can connect with or ask your MassAbility liasion for more information.

Pre-ETS Provider NameWebsiteContracted MassAbility Office(s) 
Advocates Incadvocates.orgSurbridge 
American Trainingamericantraininginc.comLawrence, Lowell 
Associates For Human Servicesahsinc.orgTaunton 
Attleboro Enterprisesattleboroenterprises.orgTaunton 
Berkshire County Arc (BCARC)bcarc.orgBerkshires 
Best Buddies Internationalbestbuddies.orgBraintree, Plymouth 
BCILbostoncil.orgBoston, Roxbury 
CapeAbilitiescapeabilities.orgCape and Islands 
Center for Living and Workingcenterlw.orgFitchburg, Milford, Southbridge, Worcester 
Center of Hope Foundationthecenterofhope.orgSouthbridge 
Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabledcordcapecod.orgCape 
Community Connectionscommunityconnectionsinc.orgFall River 
CRC Vocational Servicescrcservicesllc.comSpringfield, Greenfield 
MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Boardmasshiregreaterlowell.comLowell 
Easter Sealseasterseals.com/maWorcester 
Fidelity Housefidelityhhs.orgLawrence, Salem 
M.O. Lifemolifeinc.comNew Bedford 
Marriot Foundation for People with Disabilitiesmarriottfoundation.orgBoston, Roxbury 
Martha's Vineyard Community Servicesmvcommunityservices.orgCape and Islands 
New England Business Associatesnebaworks.comGreenfield, Springfield 
NILPnilp.orgFitchburg, Lowell, Lawrence 
Partners for Youth with Disabilitiespyd.orgBoston, Roxbury, Somerville 
Riverside Industriesrsi.orgSpringfield 
SCIL (Southeast Center for Independent Living, INC.)secil.orgFall River 
Seven Hillssevenhills.orgFramingham, Worcester 
STAVROSstavros.orgGreenfield, Springfield 
Tempusmasscp.orgBraintree, Brockton, Plymouth, Taunton 
Triangletriangle-inc.orgBrockton, Salem, Somerville 
Viabilityviability.orgGreenfield, North Adams, Pittsfield, Salem, Southbridge, Springfield, Worcester 
Vinfenvinfen.orgSomerville 
Work Inc.workinc.orgBoston, Braintree, Fitchburg, Roxbury 
WOUworkopportunities.netFall river, Framingham, Milford, Springfield 

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