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High School Students

Transition is that exciting time when you begin to think about what you will do after graduating high school. This is an important time to explore opportunities and options available to you. Some students do not think about this until graduation, which means they miss out! The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services division of Iowa Workforce Development can provide a multitude of services that are tailored specifically to the needs of each individual. The services and supports you receive begin in high school and can continue throughout your career.

 Services available to assist students include:

  • Counseling and Guidance Services
  • Career Exploration Assessments
  • Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
  • Assistance with Post-Secondary Training
  • Job Seeking Skills Training
  • Job Placement
  • Assistive Technology

Look at the VR High School Contact List to find out which VR staff is assigned to your school.

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Pre-Employment Transition Services

What are Pre-ETS?

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are activities for students with disabilities. They provide an early start at job exploration. They also assist with making decisions about post-secondary education or employment.

  • Job Exploration Counseling allows you to learn about different career options. You also learn work skills necessary to be successful.
  • Work-Based Learning Experiences connect you to real-life work activities and future career options.
  • Counseling on Opportunities gives information and guidance on post-secondary education and training opportunities.
  • Workplace Readiness Training helps develop employability skills, social skills, and independent living skills.
  • Instruction in Self-Advocacy teaches self-advocacy skills needed in education, work, and community settings.

How Can I Access Pre-ETS?

If you are a student with disabilities, you are considered to be potentially eligible for Pre-ETS if you are between the ages of 14 and 21 and have not yet applied for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. You need documentation of a disability and a completed Pre-ETS Agreement (Acuerdo de servicios de transiciĆ³n previos al empleo).

Both eligible and potentially eligible students are able to take part in Pre-ETS. If you do not have an employment plan, you'll need to complete a Pre-ETS Agreement. Then, you can take part in the Pre-ETS activities.

If you are interested in participating in Pre-ETS, please talk with your school staff or VR staff about getting started.

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Transition Alliance Program

The Transition Alliance Program (TAP) is a partnership between community school districts and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

By taking part in TAP, you receive help in vocational training, independent living, and post-secondary education.

Why Choose TAP?

TAP has many benefits for you including:

  • individualized attention,
  • one-on-one assistance for career and educational opportunities,
  • development of job- seeking and job-keeping skills,
  • assistance in locating and maintaining employment,
  • community mobility and driver permit training,
  • assistance with individual housing, medical, and financial matters, and
  • year-round support.

TAP Services

Different services are available as part of TAP, including:

  • Job Exploration Counseling,
  • Work-Based Learning Experiences,
  • Workplace Readiness Training,
  • Post-Secondary Training Opportunities,
  • Self-Advocacy Instruction,
  • Job Placement, and
  • Independent Living skills.

TAP Resources

Contact TAP

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