Parents and students gain valuable information during Transition Night

The Hampton City Schools (HCS) special education department held a free event supporting transition services for students with a disability on October 23, 2024. The event was dedicated to preparing students for life beyond high school with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

For young people with disabilities, employment rates remain disproportionately low. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 21% of individuals with disabilities were employed in 2022, compared to 65% of those without disabilities. Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are designed to help close this gap by providing students with the skills, experiences, and support they need to thrive in the workforce and advance their postsecondary education.

In collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, 14 service providers shared their services with families, while HCS hosted breakout sessions on Pre-ETS, showcasing what Pre-ETS looks like in action and how it facilitates smooth transitions from student to adult services. Students and parents participated in separate sessions, allowing students to learn from their perspectives while parents gained insights on support pathways.

“At our recent Back to Transition Night, families and students experienced how Pre-ETS opens doors to valuable work-based learning opportunities, job exploration, and community engagement,” shared Sherry Hildebrandt, HCS transition specialist for exceptional students. “Together, as a unified community, we are changing the odds for our students, one experience at a time.”