Teens and young adults

The Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) serves children and students who are blind or have low vision. Our services are focused on building the foundation of a productive, independent, and successful childhood, youth, and adulthood.

Pre-Employment Transition Services

Services focused on young people ages 14 to 21 are called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). These services are available to young people with a disability, in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program, aged 14 through 21 who are eligible or receiving special education or related services under the Individual with Disabilities Act or for purposes of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Washington State Transition Map

Empowering Your Transition to Life After High School

The Washington State Rehabilitation Council has collaborated with the agencies named within this resource to support the development and publication of the Washington Transition Partnership Map.

What is the Washington State Transition Map?

This resource provides a high-level summary to help individuals and families learn about and connect to transition services for which they may be eligible as students plan for their transition from high school. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool for disability support resources and agencies to establish meaningful connections with transition services, thereby supporting individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. It is not intended to include all transition resources, many of which are available through local counties.

Download Transition Map (PDF)

Pre-ETS Goals

The DSB Pre-Employment Transition Services Team provides workshops, programs, and activities to help students achieve future careers by providing: 

Job Exploration Counseling

DSB wants to make sure you are getting the information you need to help you decide on your future career. We can explore career path options that fit your interests, skills, and abilities. Build your awareness and knowledge of different careers and the skills and qualifications needed for you to be successful in those jobs.

Work Readiness Training to Develop Social Skills and Independent Living

Since there’s more to starting a career than knowing how to do the job, DSB wants to make sure you have the “soft skills” that are important in today’s workplace. We’ll help you get ready for work with practice interviews, resume writing workshops, and training on finding and applying for jobs.

Work-based Learning Experiences to Explore Careers

To help you get more information on potential careers, we provide in-school or after school learning experiences and even internships, so you can know more about working in those careers, get hands-on training, practice networking, and build social skills and relationships.

Educational Opportunity Counseling 

What you know determines what you can do. This is your opportunity to learn about college majors, training and certificate programs, and other programs that lead to the career you want.  Get information on continuing your education, picking a school, scoring financial aid, etc.

Instruction in Self-Advocacy

Learn to recognize and celebrate your strengths, advocate your needs, evaluate your options. Work with your peers as mentors and friends to practice assertiveness, self-determination, and independence.

Workshops, programs, and activities

To help you build these abilities, we provide workshops, programs, activities that teach and let you practice the skills you need to know to succeed at school or work.

Students can select from a variety of activities from the Events page. DSB also offers residential summer programs that provide real world experiences. In addition, students can join in the year-round workshops anytime during the school year.

Year-round workshops

3T Academy 

3T Academy is an eight-month program designed to promote college preparation and success, self-advocacy development, and workplace readiness.  Learn more about 3T Academy.  

MVP Workshops

Developing a "Most Valuable Plan" and explore your vision for the vital areas in your life and set goals to maximize your best self. Learn more about MVP Workshops.

Startup Wizard Workshops

Students consider options for life after high school and explore pathways in the exciting world of self-employment and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Startup Wizard Workshops.

 

Residential Summer Programs

Youth Employment Solutions 2 (YES2) 

A multi-week summer Program focused on career preparation by providing experience, opportunity, career preparation, and paid internships. Learn about the YES2 program.

3T Academy Residential

A two-week residential college readiness program for students who are eager to explore transitioning from high school to college. Get more information on the 3T Academy residential program.