Preparing for Life After High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provide resources for students with disabilities to explore employment and education options in a wide range of settings.

Julian carries plastic boxes to the table where he’s filling small cups with marinara sauce. Those cups of sauce will be stacked in the plastic boxes and stored there until orders are assembled.
Part of Jenny’s work at Manchester is at the reception desk of its Fort Wayne facility.
Megan listens to Easterseals Arc staff member Kari Butler as she cleans at the Holiday Inn.

About Pre-Employment Transition Services

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provide resources for students with disabilities to enhance their hard and soft skills, explore employment and education options, and participate in on-site job training. For more information, please contact Lucas Crager at lcrager@esarc.org or 260.456.4534 ext. 264

Pre-ETS addresses five core services:

  • Job exploration counseling, which includes discussing students’ vocational interests, reviewing local labor market and in-demand industries and occupations, exploring non-traditional employment options and identifying career pathways of interest.
  • Work-based learning experiences such as apprenticeships and job shadowing, paid and non-paid internships and/or work experiences, informational interviews and volunteer opportunities.
  • Counseling on postsecondary opportunities, which includes discussing career pathways, attending college fairs and tours, and accessing disability services and supports.
  • Workplace readiness training, which helps students develop communication, problem solving and other specific social and interpersonal skills, as well as independent living skills.
  • Instruction in self-advocacy, including building self-awareness, disclosure of disability and knowing individual rights and responsibilities.

As of January 2023, school partners include: Anthis Career Center, Carroll High School, Churubusco Junior-Senior High School, Columbia City High School, Homestead High School, North Side High School, Northrop High School, Snider High School, South Side High School, Wayne High School, and Whitko High School, Whitko Career Academy.

Pre-ETS works with all learners whether they are online, in-person, or homeschooled.

The Pre-ETS program offers the Dream Teens program, and is available during summer, winter, and spring breaks.

Pre-ETS provides a Family Support Coordinator to help manage transition services for students.

Eligibility

Any student age 14 to 22 with an IEP or 504 plan is eligible for Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Service Locations

Easterseals Arc

For more information about enrolling in services, please contact us at agencyintakes@esarc.org or 260.456.4534 

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

4919 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

260.456.4534

Easterseals RISE in Angola

For more information about enrolling in services, please contact us at agencyintakes@esarc.org or 260.456.4534.

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

907 S Wayne St, Angola, IN 46703

260.665.9408

Easterseals Passages

For more information about enrolling in services, please contact us at agencyintakes@esarc.org or 260.456.4534.

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

333 N Oak St, Columbia City, IN 46725

260.244.9331

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We look forward to helping you create a support plan with the services that meet your unique needs.

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