Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about all of our services, for students, adults, families, and schools across New York and New Jersey. That covers Pre-ETS and adult ACCES-VR services in New York, DVRS services in New Jersey, eligibility and referrals, costs and private coaching, executive function coaching, and the SOAR curriculum.
For Students & Families
What are Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)?
Pre-ETS are federally mandated career readiness services for students with disabilities ages 14-21, provided at no cost. Services include Job Exploration Counseling, Workplace Readiness Training, Self-Advocacy Instruction, and Post-Secondary Counseling. In New York, Pre-ETS are funded through ACCES-VR; in New Jersey, through DVRS.
Who is eligible for Pre-ETS in New York or New Jersey?
Students may be eligible for Pre-ETS if they meet all of these criteria:
- Ages 14–21
- Have a documented disability (IEP, 504 Plan, or medical documentation)
- Enrolled in an educational program
How much do Pre-ETS services cost?
Pre-ETS services funded through ACCES-VR (New York) or DVRS (New Jersey) are provided at no cost to students, families, or school partners. Lincoln Square Coaching also offers separate, self and family funded private coaching for people who don't qualify for state-funded programs or want support beyond them. See our Private Coaching page.
How do I refer my child for career coaching services?
Contact Lincoln Square Coaching at referrals@lincolnsqcoaching.com or call (212) 320-8973. We guide you through the referral process, including determining eligibility, gathering documentation, and coordinating with ACCES-VR or DVRS.
Do I need my school to refer my child for Pre-ETS?
No. While schools are the most common pathway, families and students can come directly to Lincoln Square Coaching. We complete the referral to ACCES-VR (in New York) or DVRS (in New Jersey) on the student's behalf. You do not need a school to initiate, and you do not need an open vocational rehabilitation case to begin.
What does "Potentially Eligible" (PE) mean for Pre-ETS?
Potentially Eligible (PE) is an ACCES-VR designation for students with disabilities ages 14–21 who qualify for Pre-ETS without an open vocational rehabilitation case. A PE referral is a pre-authorization request, not a full ACCES-VR application. Lincoln Square Coaching submits the PE referral on behalf of the student. New Jersey DVRS uses a comparable pre-application referral process for students without an open DVRS case.
How do I get free career coaching for my child with a disability?
If your child is ages 14-21 with a documented disability and enrolled in school, they may qualify for free Pre-ETS through ACCES-VR (NY) or DVRS (NJ). Contact us to start the eligibility and referral process. There is no cost to families.
For Adults
Does Lincoln Square Coaching work with adults, or only students?
Both. Pre-ETS is for students ages 14-21, but Lincoln Square Coaching is also an approved ACCES-VR vendor on the adult side in New York, providing six services to adults under an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). See ACCES-VR services for adults in New York. We also offer executive function coaching for teens and adults ages 14 and up, and private coaching for people who are not working through a state agency.
What happens after Pre-ETS services end?
Pre-ETS ends when school does, but vocational rehabilitation support does not. In New York, adults move to services under an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) written with an ACCES-VR counselor. Lincoln Square Coaching is an approved ACCES-VR vendor on the adult side too, providing Career Exploration Assessment, Work Readiness Training, Self-Advocacy for Employment, Coaching Supports for post-secondary education and internships, Coaching and Communication Supports, and Job Coaching. See ACCES-VR services for adults in New York. In New Jersey, DVRS handles the equivalent transition. Private coaching is also available if you would rather not go through an agency.
What ACCES-VR services does Lincoln Square Coaching provide for adults in New York?
Six, each authorized by ACCES-VR under its official name: Career Exploration Assessment; Work Readiness Training; Self-Advocacy for Employment; Coaching Supports for Post-Secondary Education, Internship, or Activities in Pursuit of Employment Goals; Coaching and Communication Supports for Post-Secondary Education and Employment; and Job Coaching. Each is described in full on our ACCES-VR services for adults in New York page. Which of them you receive, and for how long, is decided by you and your ACCES-VR counselor and written into your IPE.
How do I start adult ACCES-VR services with Lincoln Square Coaching?
If you already have an open ACCES-VR case, discuss the services you are interested in with your counselor and whether Lincoln Square Coaching may be an appropriate vendor for those services. Your counselor drives that step, though we are glad to speak with them directly about what we provide. Once an authorization and the required referral documentation come through, we typically contact you within 2 business days to schedule. Services authorized under your IPE are provided at no cost to you. If you do not have an ACCES-VR case yet, you can apply via ACCES-VR's website or by completing a paper application.
Does Lincoln Square Coaching provide job placement or supported employment services?
We are not contracted with ACCES-VR to provide job development, job placement, or Supported Employment services. What we do provide is everything around it.
On the front end, Career Exploration Assessment, Work Readiness Training, and Self-Advocacy for Employment build the picture and the skills a good job match depends on. On the other side, we provide three coaching supports authorized by ACCES-VR: Job Coaching, which begins once you have the job and supports learning it, settling in, and keeping it; Coaching Supports for Post-Secondary Education, Internship, or Activities in Pursuit of Employment Goals; and Coaching and Communication Supports for Post-Secondary Education and Employment. All three are described in full on our ACCES-VR services for adults in New York page.
Our assessments are written with that handoff in mind. When placement or Supported Employment is the right next step, your ACCES-VR counselor authorizes those services with a provider approved for them, and shares our assessment findings and recommendations with that provider to support job development, placement, and retention.
For Schools & Transition Coordinators
How can my school partner with Lincoln Square Coaching?
Schools can partner at no cost. We provide on-site or virtual Pre-ETS instruction, professional development for staff, family workshops, and transition coordination support. All services are funded through ACCES-VR (NY) or DVRS (NJ). Learn more about school partnerships or email referrals@lincolnsqcoaching.com.
Can Pre-ETS services be delivered at our school?
Yes. Lincoln Square Coaching delivers Pre-ETS instruction on-site at partner schools throughout New York and New Jersey. Our team integrates with your existing transition programming, IEP schedule, and school calendar.
Does Lincoln Square Coaching provide professional development for teachers?
Yes. We offer professional development workshops on disability awareness, career readiness strategies, and ACCES-VR/DVRS referral processes. We also provide Perkins V eligible training for college and university CTE programs nationwide.
What does a typical Pre-ETS program look like in schools?
A typical program includes weekly group or individual sessions using our SOAR curriculum, covering job exploration, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and post-secondary planning. Sessions are adapted to each student's needs and aligned with IEP transition goals.
How does LSC coordinate with IEP transition teams?
Our team collaborates with IEP transition teams to align Pre-ETS instruction with each student's transition goals. We provide progress reports, attend team meetings as needed, and coordinate referrals to ACCES-VR or DVRS.
About Our Services
What is the SOAR transition curriculum?
SOAR (Self-Discovery, Opportunities, Advocacy, Readiness) is Lincoln Square Coaching's proprietary Pre-ETS curriculum designed for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex support needs. It uses visual supports, hands-on activities, and accessible instruction aligned with all five WIOA Pre-ETS service domains. Learn more about SOAR.
What job readiness skills does Lincoln Square Coaching teach?
Our job readiness training covers professional communication, time management, teamwork, workplace hygiene, problem-solving, and professional etiquette. Students practice through real-world scenarios, role-playing, and hands-on activities to build confidence and workplace readiness.
Does Lincoln Square Coaching offer executive function coaching?
Yes. We offer individualized executive function coaching for teens and adults ages 14 and up to build time management, organization, planning, and follow-through skills for school, work, and independent living. No diagnosis is required.
Does Lincoln Square Coaching offer virtual services?
Yes. In addition to in-person services at our New York City and Hoboken offices and on-site at partner schools, we offer virtual Pre-ETS instruction, career coaching, and vocational assessments via Zoom. Private coaching is available to clients anywhere.
What is the difference between Pre-ETS and OSYES in New Jersey?
Pre-ETS serves students ages 14-21 who are currently enrolled in an educational program. OSYES (Out-of-School Youth Employment Services) serves young adults ages 16-24 who are not currently enrolled in school. Both are funded by DVRS and provided at no cost.
About ACCES-VR & Eligibility
What is ACCES-VR and how do I apply?
ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation) is New York State's vocational rehabilitation program that funds career services for people with disabilities. Lincoln Square Coaching is an approved ACCES-VR vendor and can guide you through the application and referral process at no cost.
Is Lincoln Square Coaching an approved ACCES-VR and DVRS vendor?
Yes. Lincoln Square Coaching is an approved ACCES-VR vendor in New York and an approved DVRS provider in New Jersey, authorized to deliver Pre-ETS, vocational evaluations, employment preparation, and career coaching services. In New Jersey, DVRS has approved Lincoln Square Coaching for all five Pre-ETS services.
What areas does Lincoln Square Coaching serve?
We serve New York City, Westchester, and the Mid-Hudson region in New York. In New Jersey we provide Pre-ETS in Hudson, Essex, and Bergen Counties, and OSYES in Hudson and Essex Counties. Virtual services are also available. Contact us to confirm coverage in your area.
Does Lincoln Square Coaching work with students who have ADHD or autism?
Yes. Lincoln Square Coaching works with students and adults who have ADHD, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and mental health differences, and all neurodivergent profiles. Support is strengths-based and individualized.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us to learn more about eligibility, referrals, or how we can support you, your student, or your school.
Last updated: August 20, 2026