Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

In partnership with MassAbility, Easterseals Massachusetts Transition Services (Pre-ETS, or Pre-Employment Transition Services) are offered to students with disabilities ages 14–21 (up to their 22nd birthday) who are enrolled in high school, college, or vocational programs. Through group-based training sessions, students develop the skills and confidence needed to explore careers, prepare for employment, and navigate the transition to adulthood. These experiences help students build greater independence and prepare for success in employment, education, and adult life.

Virtual trainings are available statewide, while in-person services are available in Central and Western Massachusetts. 

Current Training Programs:

1. Job Exploration Counseling: Explore careers, identify personal interests and strengths, learn about required skills, and connect with professionals through informational interviews.
2. Self-Advocacy and Mentoring: Develop self-advocacy skills while learning about your individual needs, strengths, and rights as a person with a disability.
3. Workplace Readiness Training: Build transferable workplace skills, including resume writing, interviewing, professionalism, time management, and maintaining healthy workplace relationships.
4. Counseling on Postsecondary Education or Training Programs: Learn about college and training program options, the application process, FAFSA, accommodations, and alternatives to traditional college pathways.
5. Work-Based Learning Experiences: Participate in job shadowing, informational interviews, volunteer opportunities, and paid internships.

Students may choose the components in which they would like to participate.

Eligibility

Students can be referred to Pre-ETS by their schools, self-refer, or be referred by their local MassAbility office. Eligible students receive these services at no cost.

To self-refer, please complete the MassAbility Pre-ETS Family/Emergency Contact form. If you have completed referral paperwork from your school or referral source, please email it to pre-ets@eastersealsma.org. 

Current Schedule

Discover upcoming opportunities to explore careers, develop workplace skills, and prepare for future employment and education through Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The calendar below includes both public and private virtual and in-person programs. As we continue to add upcoming opportunities, please email us at pre-ets@eastersealsma.org for more details and registration information.

Internship Program

Students with disabilities who experience employment opportunities are more likely to have and keep a job after high school. Internships give students the chance to explore careers, build social and employment skills, and build a professional network. Internships may lead to employment opportunities, benefiting both the intern and the employer.

The Transition Internship Program serves the Worcester, Springfield, Holyoke, and Greenfield areas.

To participate in Transition internships, students must:

• Have taken part in the Easterseals Massachusetts Transition Services program.
• Have the ability to work independently.
• Be eligible to work.
• Be able to provide their own transportation to the location.

Employers in the areas we serve can participate in the Internship Program to host an intern.

For more information, please contact us at pre-ets@eastersealsma.org.