DARS Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS): Pre-ETS & VR Transition Services
Description:
Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) works together with students, youth, families, schools and community agencies and organizations to provide services that promote successful transitions from school to work and adult life. DRS offers two sets of services to help students with disabilities move from school to post-school life: pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) transition services.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Pre-ETS offer students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life. Beginning at age 14, students with disabilities can connect with DARS for Pre-ETS. DARS works with students, their families, their schools and community partners to enrich transition planning and support students with gaining knowledge and experiences necessary so they may make informed decisions about their future. Topics covered through Pre-ETS include: career exploration; work-based learning experiences; exploration of education and training programs for after high school; workplace readiness training to develop social and independent living skills; and self-advocacy.
DRS collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower youth with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. If eligible for VR transition services, your DRS Counselor will work with you, your family, and your school to develop an employment plan. This plan will include steps to help you achieve employment that is meaningful to you and that leads to a successful career.