Information for TCVI's

This information is intended for Teacher Counselors of Visually Impaired Students in the school system who are referring eligible or potentially eligible students for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are provided in collaboration with local educational agencies and community partners.  Pre-ETS are designed to be an early start at job exploration and will assist students with identifying career interests to be further explored through additional VR services.  Pre-ETS must be made available to all students in need of such services on a statewide basis regardless of whether a student has applied for VR services.  Pre-ETS services may begin once a student requests or is recommended for one or more service and documentation of a disability is provided.  These services can be provided in a group setting or on an individual basis.

The 5 Categories of Pre-ETS are:

1. Job Exploration Counseling: Intended to provide counseling and guidance to help students explore career options.  Career counseling can be offered in a variety of settings including groups and individually, in person or by means of digital communication.  Job exploration options are intended to foster motivation, consideration of opportunities and informed decision-making.
2. Work-based Learning Experiences: May include in-school or after-school opportunities, or experiences outside the traditional school setting (including internships), provided in an integrated environment in the community to the maximum extent possible.  Work-based learning is an educational approach that uses the workplace or real work to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities.
3. Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs: This activity area includes exploration of both post-high school transition programs at institutions of higher education, trade and vocational schools, as well as two and four-year colleges.
4. Workplace Readiness Training:  Workplace Readiness Training is designed to develop Social Skills and Independent Living Workshops/job clubs on social skills, workplace behavior and interaction, multicultural awareness, problem-solving skills.  Designed to develop independent living and social skills necessary for a student to be successful in employment.
5. Instruction in Self-Advocacy: Opportunities to learn about rights, responsibilities and how to request accommodations, services or supports students may need to successfully complete the transition from secondary to post-secondary education and/or employment.  These experiences may include mentoring by peers working in competitive integrated employment.

All five required areas must be available to students statewide, however the provision of each service must be based on the need of the individual student.

Who is eligible for Pre-ETS from BSBP?

BSBP will provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to students who meet the following criteria:

• Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer that is in application, eligibility or IPE status or Potentially Eligible (Prior to VR application)
• 14-26 years of age
• Student with a visual impairment
• Currently enrolled in secondary, post-secondary or other recognized education program

A student does not have to apply for VR services with BSBP to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Please use the “BSBP Potentially Eligible/Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Referral Form" to refer a student for Pre-ETS services.

1. The referral educational agency should complete Section 1 and sign the document
2. Have the student and the parent or legal guardian complete and sign Section II
3. If possible, provide a copy of the IEP and/or eye report to determine that the student has a visual impairment
4. Return the completed and signed form to your local BSBP Counselor
5. Invite the BSBP Counselor to the student’s IEP meeting
6. Work with BSBP to identify opportunities for students to participate in Pre-ETS activities

BSBP Office Directory