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More“The Pre-ETS program serviced by Voices Together has had an extremely positive impact on my child. She had little to no interest in employment before beginning this program. Through working within the vocational curriculum that Voices Together provided she now is not only interested in a job but is currently successfully going to work at a coffee shop independently. This has been a huge step for her. Now, she has a much better understanding of what it means to have a job and what that means for her future.”
Laura, Pre-ETS Parent
Voices Together serves as a designated provider for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) in North Carolina. This is a federally funded program, administered by the N.C. Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD). Ultimately, this partnership allows us to offer our program using VOICES™ Music Therapy to prepare students for vocational training at no cost to those eligible. Our certified Voices Music Therapists help students develop critical communication, social, and job skills. In doing so, we enable them to make a successful transition from school to a community work environment. Any student can benefit from this program, whether they are verbal or non-verbal.
Our year-round program provides consistent, weekly support. Voices Together music therapists work with groups of 8 to 12 students in 45-60 minute sessions. To begin with, sessions use a written schedule of activities to help students feel comfortable. Students sit in a semi-circle around the therapist to engage in interactive sessions. These sessions combine discussion, problem-solving, and song to advance students' communication and social skills. Our therapists validate and engage participants as they learn to communicate effectively in a work environment, self-regulate their behavior, and ask for help. These are all key elements for success in the workplace.
Since 2007, our proven, evidence-based program has yielded transformational outcomes in public school classrooms, communities, and vocational settings. Additionally, in 2021, Voices Together entered into a contract with the NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB). This partnership allows us to deliver Pre-ETS to students who are vision-impaired. If you know a student who could benefit from this partnership, please reach out to our Pre-ETS Team.
Music therapy for vocational training through Pre-ETS is available at no cost for eligible students. These students must meet the following criteria:
Furthermore, students in other VR programs may also enroll in Voices Together Pre-ETS.
We have made the enrollment process simple. First, parents and students must submit a Pre-ETS consent form to their VR counselor. Once the VR counselor approves a student’s participation, our program coordinator can then schedule services. For more information, contact Voices Together’s Pre-ETS team to connect with a VR counselor in your area.
If you want to bring our program into your school, you can advocate for it. Reach out to your child’s teachers, your school’s administration, or the VR representative for your district. Moreover, you can contact district-level representatives for Exceptional Children and Occupational Course of Study programs. Encourage them to contract with Voices Together for Pre-ETS services.
For more information or assistance, contact the Operations Team at programming@voicestogether.org or call (919) 942-2714.