The paper examines the role of parents in the transition of developmentally disabled or otherwise handicapped persons into adult services. Because parents play an important role on the interdisciplinary team, parent training is important. This training can come in the form of university credit courses, workshops and mini-courses, self-help groups,…

Transition planning to assist students with severe disabilities to move from school to a positive adult future is of great concern for the young people and their families and friends. For more than a decade, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) within the U.S. Department of Education has researched quality of life issues in transition…

This paper addresses the need for special education students to learn appropriate work-related oral language and personal/social oral competencies to enhance their success in transition/career-oriented endeavors. It emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach in developing these skills. The paper begins with a historical perspective,…

Parents, professionals, paraprofessionals, and service providers must increase their understanding of and sensitivity to the effects of their own interactions and the interactions of others on developmentally disabled persons. Training for these groups should cover such areas as transition into adulthood and integration of education, employment,…