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
- 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 or ask your MassAbility liasion for more information.
| Pre-ETS Provider Name | Website | Contracted MassAbility Office(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocates Inc | advocates.org | Surbridge | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Easter Seals | easterseals.com/ma | 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 | masscp.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 | |
| WOU | workopportunities.net | Fall river, Framingham, Milford, Springfield |