About the Guest(s): Annette Jett is the Executive Director of Build Inclusion, a non-profit in Kentucky that specializes in providing employment services for individuals with disabilities. She is a devoted mother to a 13-year-old daughter with disabilities and has leveraged her personal experiences to navigate and understand available support resources. Annette is also an educational consultant, vocational navigation expert, and creator of the "Take Flight" curriculum, aimed at helping students prepare for their vocational journeys.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas interviews Annette Jett about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and their critical role in helping students with disabilities transition smoothly into the workforce. The conversation delves into the legal framework established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, how Pre-ETS are integrated and implemented in Kentucky, and how these services can significantly alter the employment outcomes for students and adults with disabilities.

Annette Jett discusses the components of Pre-ETS, including job exploration, self-advocacy, workplace readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and counseling on postsecondary opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention starting at age 14 and the necessity for cooperation between schools, vocational rehab services, and community rehabilitation providers (CRPs). The episode also offers advice on how to access these services in various states and highlights the personal journey that led Annette to her current role.

Transcript: https://c80acee1-5663-46ff-a2d6-b4cf328e0b7f.usrfiles.com/ugd/c80ace_ed5fee6f60df4faab3480ccaf0178fa7.pdf

Key Takeaways:

• Components of Pre-Employment Transition Services: Pre-ETS include vital services such as job exploration, self-advocacy training, workplace readiness, work-based learning experiences, and postsecondary education counseling.
• Early Intervention: Introducing Pre-ETS at age 14 allows ample time for relationship building and skills development, leading to better employment outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Importance of Collaboration: For effective transition planning, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, and CRPs must work together seamlessly.
• Consumer Choice in Employment Services: Individuals have the right to choose their service providers, which can enhance their engagement and outcomes.
• Annette Jett's Journey: Annette combines her personal experiences as a parent with her professional background to innovate and improve employment services for individuals with disabilities.

Resources:

Build Inclusion: https://buildinclusion.org/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org/

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