Parents have a major influence on their children's attitudes toward work and life. Handicapped youth, who have more difficulty than other youth in making the transition from school to work and adult life, have a special need for parental guidance. Parents can play key roles in transition, especially in the areas of career exploration, job search…

This digest describes the process of designing quality individualized education program (IEP) transition plans for secondary students with disabilities as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997. It stresses the importance of taking an early, long-range approach, preferably beginning at age 14 or…

The comprehensiveness and effectiveness of school-to-work transition activities are limited by staff and time. The unique and complicated counseling needs of students with disabilities require the involvement of other actors, primarily parents. Youth with disabilities and their parents must be knowledgeable about vocational opportunities and…

This digest discusses comprehensive training planning for students with disabilities and ways educators can facilitate the involvement of students with disabilities in helping to formulate the Individualized Transition Plan component of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Strategies for encouraging student participation include: (1) begin…

This digest summarizes changes in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the reauthorization and amendments of 1997, Public Law 105-17. These changes include: participation of students with disabilities in state and district-wide assessment programs, development and review of the individualized education program (IEP), enhanced…