Tennessee Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services – for Students and Families What are Pre-ETS and VR? Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services are designed to help people with disabilities gain competitive integrated employment. Both Pre-ETS and VR are funded by the same agency, the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Pre-ETS are services offered only to students. VR services are provided to adults, but can be offered to students who need services in addition to Pre-ETS. Pre-ETS and VR have the same overall goal but look different in practice. Pre-ETS are intended to prepare students with disabilities for employment by enhancing their school-based transition services. VR services assist people with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, maintaining, or advancing employment.
Pre-ETS What services do students receive under Pre-ETS? Pre-ETS include five key areas:
Job Exploration Counseling – Helping students learn about different careers and what jobs match their interests and strengths. Work-Based Learning (WBL) Experiences – Providing hands-on opportunities like internships, job shadowing, or summer work programs. Workplace Readiness Training – Teaching skills essential for all jobs, such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and time management. Counseling on Postsecondary Education – Assisting students in preparing for college, trade schools, or other training options after high school. Instruction in Self-Advocacy – Helping students learn how to speak up for themselves, request accommodations, and understand their rights in school and the workplace. How does my student qualify for Pre-ETS? To be eligible for Pre-ETS an individual must be:
Between the ages of 14 and 22 Have a documented disability (e.g., Individualized Education Program [IEP], 504 plan, doctor confirmation) Be enrolled in high school or a postsecondary education program (e.g., college, technical school, university) How do I sign my student up for Pre-ETS? Pre-ETS are available to all students who qualify across the state. To sign your student up for services, identify your Pre-ETS provider. A provider is a person who delivers Pre-ETS. If you know who your provider is, reach out to them to initiate services. If you do not know who your provider is, you can contact the main line (615-313-4891, TTY# 615-313-5695) or your region’s supervisor.
In Tennessee, Pre-ETS are provided in two ways:
Transition School to Work Staff: These staff members are employed by the school. They may have a title like TSW, WBL coordinator, or workplace readiness training coordinator. Community Rehabilitation Provider: These staff members work for agencies in the community and come to the school or take students into the community. They may have a title like CRP, Transition services specialist, Pre-ETS specialist. Their title is dependent on the agency they are employed by. A parent/guardian is required to sign a permission form before beginning services. It may be helpful to discuss Pre-ETS with a student’s parent/guardian if there is hesitancy. The resources at the end of this document can help with this discussion.
How do Pre-ETS and school-based services work together? Pre-ETS providers and school partners work together to make sure that Pre-ETS are provided in addition to other required transition services. The school is expected to provide all transition services necessary for maintaining a free appropriate public education. Rather than replacing or reducing school services, Pre-ETS are intended to build on existing transition services. Providers and school partners can work together to build instruction. For example, a Pre-ETS provider could focus on interactive activities such as setting up a job shadow experience for students to build on what is being covered in the classroom on career clusters.
Within the school, there are many potential partners with vital roles:
Special educators are the primary partner as the student’s primary transition services provider. General educators can support students practicing Pre-ETS skills or giving feedback on areas for growth. Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers can provide work-based instruction that builds on skills students developed during Pre-ETS instruction. School administrators can be a support to connect with families, school-based resources, and options for community-based activities. School counselors may have a well-established relationship with students and can speak to their support needs such as postsecondary education goals. Each partnership creates the opportunity for regular communication and ongoing, shared decision-making throughout the school year to ensure all school-based transition services and Pre-ETS are complimentary to support students’ employment goals.
Where and when do students receive Pre-ETS? Students can receive Pre-ETS in their school or in the community. This is based on their needs and goals. Pre-ETS can be provided during the school day, after school, on the weekends, or as part of a summer program. Students can begin to receive Pre-ETS as soon as they turn 14, which could be in middle school or high school. They can receive services throughout high school and, based on need and age (up to 22 years old), can receive services in postsecondary education settings (e.g., college, technical school).
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) What services does VR provide? VR counselors provide a variety of services to individuals with disabilities, including:
Counseling and guidance Training Maintenance and transportation Personal care assistance Rehabilitation technology services Job placement Post-employment services Supported employment Independent living services VR provides four special emphasis services in TN. These include:
Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at Smyrna - This state-operated comprehensive rehabilitation facility offers a variety of vocational training programs on campus with residential housing available. Community TN Rehabilitation Centers – These community-based VR services prepare and support individuals on their employment paths. Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired – The unique needs of those who are blind or visually impaired are served through this specialized unit. Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - The unique needs of those who are Deaf or hard of hearing are served through this specialized unit. What are the eligibility requirements for VR? To qualify for VR services, an individual must:
Have a disability that affects their ability to get, keep, or advance in a job. Want to be employed. Need VR services to achieve or advance employment. For example, if an individual is doing well at work with the supports in place, they may not need VR services. Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S. *Note: If an individual receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to a disability, and they want to work, they are eligible for VR services.
What is the VR application process? To access VR services, potential customers must first apply. VR explains each step to apply on their website (TN VR Applying for Services ). Broadly, the steps are as follows:
Schedule an introduction (intake) appointment with VR by calling (833) 751-0597 or visiting a local VR office (VR office locations ). Customers with visual impairments will need to specify this on the phone. Alternatively, contact the Regional Manager of VR Deaf and Blind Services to get connected with the appropriate local counselor: Jessica Villanueva: 865-594-9407; jessica.villanueva@tn.gov Attend the intake appointment and complete the VR application. Appointments can happen in person, via phone, or through a virtual platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams). VR may take up to 60 days to determine eligibility. If determined eligible, a VR counselor will work with the individual to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE details the pathway to employment for the individual. Once the IPE is developed, VR services will begin. A few important notes:
At the initial VR appointment, disability documentation is required. This could include an IEP, 504 plan, or medical record, such as a recent eye report. Any SSI or SSDI should be discussed during the appointment. If application assistance is needed, the Client Assistance Program (CAP) can help at no cost. Help can be requested by visiting the CAP website or calling 1-800-342-1660. Important information to know about VR Unlike some disability benefits, VR services are not guaranteed to all applicants. Individuals must first meet eligibility requirements to receive VR services. VR can assist with job placement, but it is not a direct job placement service and cannot guarantee individuals a job. VR is a time-limited service designed to support individuals in achieving employment goals. Once individuals become stable in a job, services typically end. Pre-ETS and VR: A Continuum of Services Should my student apply for VR services? If students will need support preparing for, obtaining, maintaining, or advancing an employment opportunity, it is important that they apply for VR services. If you are unsure whether a student will benefit from VR services, you should discuss this with the VR counselor who serves your school. If you are not sure who the VR counselor is who serves your school, you can reach out to the Pre-ETS supervisors or VR contacts listed above.
When should my student apply for VR services? The current VR recommendation is to apply for VR services 18 to 24 months before high school exit. This allows a student to become a VR eligible student, receive counseling and guidance, and to develop their IPE. They can then receive VR services if necessary.
Can students receive Pre-ETS and VR services? Yes, if a student needs certain services in addition to Pre-ETS, they may also receive VR services. For example, if a student needs help getting a driver’s license, glasses for employment, or a work uniform, VR can assist. VR will evaluate on a case-by-case basis if students need VR services in addition to Pre-ETS. Working with the VR counselor who serves the school can streamline the application process. If you are not sure who the VR counselor is that serves your school, you can apply using the instructions above, or you can reach out to the Pre-ETS supervisors or VR contacts listed above.
Resources Resources for Professionals Resources to share with students and families 
