Objective: The specific aim of this study was to use data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS-2) to examine modifiable factors that were related to competitive employment acquisition for students who were at high risk of poor school-to-work outcomes. Design: Quantitative descriptive design using path analysis. Participants: 580…

High school work experience is a predictor of postsecondary employment success for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Developing integrated work experiences often requires schools to partner with local businesses; yet, secondary special education transition teams may not have prior experience or preparation in this type…

Related services were examined for 1,400 racial/ethnic transitioning minorities enrolled in the National Longitudinal Transition Study--2 database after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables. Propensity methods balanced minorities (32%) and nonminorities (68%) on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Logistic regressions…

As children become teenagers and move into early adulthood, there are many transitions they face. For young people with disabilities, this is no different except that there are invariably additional complex challenges that must be overcome. Evidence-based research is the foundation for best transition practices, but too many studies seem abstract,…

Supporting youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the transition to adulthood is challenging. This article provides a description of how Project SEARCH, a model transition program for youth with disabilities, was used to help youth with ASD gain competitive employment. This article includes two case studies and a thorough description of the…

For young people with disabilities, crossing the bridge to adulthood will be empowering instead of intimidating--when their support teams know the essentials of effective transition planning. Now all the fundamentals of well-crafted transition plans are collected in one concise quick-guide, straight from one of the top authorities on helping young…

The transition from school services to adulthood can be particularly difficult for many adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although some individuals with ASD are able to successfully transition, most are faced with significant obstacles in multiple areas as they attempt to negotiate their way into college, work, community…

Professionals who work with young adults will get hard-to-find information on how specific social, behavioral, and cognitive characteristics of people with autism affect the transition to adulthood, exploring potential challenges and traits that can be powerful assets. Compelling stories throughout this book illustrate how successful transition…

A vocational transition model for disabled youth focuses on three stages: (1) school instruction (functional curriculum, community-based education), (2) planning for the transition process (involving parents and adult service representatives), and (3) placement into meaningful employment. (CL)

The article focuses on vocational alternatives for severely disabled persons after age 21, including supported employment, supported competitive employment, and sheltered enclaves in industry. The authors also discuss the requirements for successful community living and note the importance of individualized transition plans, parent education and…

The article presents an interim report on the progress of 39 mentally retarded students in a supported competitive employment training program implemented in 5 school systems and 3 geographical areas of Virginia. Among findings were that 74 percent of the students remained in their jobs longer than 6 months. (DB)

Critical elements and best practices in school-to-work transition programs for disabled youth are identified. Noted are local factors, individual student choice, shared resources, vocational rehabilitation counselors in the schools, and school-business linkages. Best practices include individualized transition planning, community-based…

This compilation brings together various conference papers and a working group report on the topic of supported competitive employment for people with deaf-blindness and other profound disabilities. The title paper by Paul Wehman and Janet Hill studies 21 Profoundly/Multiply Handicapped Deaf-Blind Youth, April 7-10, 1986, Washington, DC. The title…

Recommendations on transition for youth with disabilities are presented, including partnerships between school personnel and staff from the state-federal vocational rehabilitation; one-stop career centers; federal financial support of competitive employment; professional development for postsecondary faculty; and financial incentives for…

This book is a guide to the development of Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) for students with disabilities. It includes 37 sample ITPs for students with a wide variety of disabilities. The first four chapters describe the formatting necessary for designing the transition planning document and then describe each of the 10 goals, which range from…