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    Information for High School Staff

    It is important for high school and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) staff to work together to ensure that students with disabilities can prepare for employment success. VRS has a counselor and Pre-ETS Representative assigned to every high school in Minnesota.

    The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) sets forth requirements to ensure students with disabilities gain skills and have experiences that lead to success in competitive integrated employment. These requirements fall under the categories of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Limitations on the Use of Subminimum Wage.

    Pre-Employment Transition Services

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services, in collaboration with local educational agencies, must provide statewide access to Pre-Employment Transition Services for all students with disabilities who are between the ages of 14 through 21. Students with disabilities include those receiving special education services or that have a disability for the purpose of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

    Pre-Employment Transition Services are the following five activities:

    • Job exploration counseling
    • Work-based learning experiences
    • Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in postsecondary education programs
    • Workplace readiness training
    • Instruction in self-advocacy

    Additional Pre-ETS Resources

    WIOA Limitations on the Use of Subminimum Wage

    Subminimum wage (less than the federal minimum wage) is allowable when an employment or day service provider holds a special 14(c) certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. Learn more.

    E1MN-Youth

    E1MN is a partnership between the Minnesota Departments of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Education (MDE) and Human Services (DHS) to advance Employment First outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. The state agency partnership evolved from Minnesota's Employment First policy adopted by the Olmstead sub-cabinet in 2014.

    E1MN-Youth is focused on improving employment outcomes for transition-age youth (14 to 21).

    Stay Up-to-Date

    To get announcements related to supporting transition services, pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) and competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes for youth with disabilities, sign up for the E1MN-Youth Professionals mail list. Click to subscribe.

    2024 E1MN Regional Meetings

    The participation and support of E1MN from leaders in schools, lead agencies (counties and tribal nations), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), and State Services for the Blind (SSB) is crucial.

    All leaders are encouraged to view a 16-minute video which gives more information about what E1MN and the regional meetings are along with how you can support this important work:

    VRS Youth in Transition 2022-27 Strategic Plan

    VRS’ mission for transition services is to empower youth with disabilities to explore, prepare for and achieve their goals for competitive integrated employment. The VRS Youth in Transition 2022-27 Strategic Plan outlines four strategies for achieving that mission.

    Minneapolis Pre-ETS Project

    Documents to use for the Minneapolis Pre-ETS Project.

    Edison Documents

    Southwest Documents

    The VR program received 73.42% of federal fiscal year 2023 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2023 grants totaled $47,671,377. The required state match for these funds is $12,849,251. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.

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