Transition and Youth

Pre-employment transition services

What are Pre-employment transition services?

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are activities that provide an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities ages 14-21 to assist with transitioning from school to postsecondary education or employment. ICBVI works with schools and other organizations across the state to coordinate and deliver Pre-ETS.

Pre-ETS focus on:

  • Job Exploration Counseling

  • Work-Based Learning Experiences

  • Counseling on Post-Secondary Education and Training

  • Workplace Readiness Training

  • Instruction in Self-Advocacy

What is a transition plan?

A transition plan looks at the current academic progress of the student, interests, vocational goals and the needs of the student to either enter into some post secondary training as required based on their work goal or direct employment upon completion of high school.  At ICBVI we like to work closely with the students, parents and the school to identify and address needs as early possible when appropriate to create the most opportunities for a successful transition.

Visually Impaired Students Transitioning to Adulthood (VISTA) Programs

ICBVI offers several programs for students transitioning to adult life. These VISTA programs allow students to build their skills from where they are now to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities of college and work life. Programs include regional workshop and residential summer programs held in Boise, as well as work experience opportunities around the state.

SWEP- Summer Work Experience Program:

This program is a 6 to 8 week work experience in Boise.  The students live in supervised dorms and work in competitive jobs during the week.  Support on the job is available to students.  Students also benefit from the program through other activities arranged during the evenings and weekends.

The feedback from students and parents alike has been:  Wow, that is a great program!
Work skills development, confidence and self-esteem are typically big outcomes from the SWEP Program.  Talk to your local ICBVI VR Counselor to learn more or visit us on Facebook to view our video on ICBVI's Transition Program.

College Days:

College Days is a new summer program for ICBVI that focuses on students who plan to attend some type of post secondary schooling.  It focuses on the unique issues that a blind or visually impaired transition student may encounter when preparing to attend a trade school, two year college or university.

Some areas that are addressed:

  • How to access the disability resource center at the school you’re attending

  • Orientation and Mobility on campuses

  • Taking advantage of your assistive technology for the college environment

  • Accessing your books in a timely manner

  • Tips from other successful past and present blind or visually impaired students

  • Successful note taking.

Work Readiness:

ICBVI provides Work Readiness training for students via the Putting Your Best Foot Forward Curriculum. Students cover topics such as identifying strengths and skills, developing a resume, looking for job vacancies, filling out strong applications, and presenting well at interview. This curriculum finishes with the student taking part in a work based learning experience.

VISTA Leadership Program:

The Leadership program lasts one year and includes three retreats in the midst of Idaho’s rugged outdoor beauty. During these retreat, students will engage in exercises that develop self-awareness, self-determination and resilience. In between times, students meet monthly interacting with leaders from across the nation. Students also develop and participate in service-learning projects within their local community, and they have the opportunity to work with a mentor throughout the year.

Self-Advocacy and Soft Skills:

ICBVI also provides the opportunity for students to take part in a workshop on social skills, self-advocacy and self-determination. Through interactive discussions, role plays and field trips, they learn the practical skills necessary to successfully navigate the professional adult environment.