This research identifies the soft (employability) skills that key stakeholders view as essential for young people with intellectual disability (ID) to gain and maintain open employment. The study subsequently examined the work experience opportunities for young people with ID to develop these soft skills during their school years. Qualitative data…

Project SEARCH is a unique program for young adults with intellectual disabilities to transition from high school to work. This program teaches individuals with intellectual disabilities (interns) job skills in an inclusive work environment, such as a hospital. The purpose of the study is to understand the involvement and perceptions of supported…

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…

Transition from high school to adulthood is a difficult period of life for all youth, especially those with disabilities. Research indicates students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) experience difficulties in transitioning to a postschool environment. Their postschool outcomes in the areas of education, employment, and community…

Our purpose in this study is to offer a more comprehensive understanding of how students with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending postsecondary education programs are prepared for competitive employment. Data collected through a national survey indicate that the vocational-related support services offered frequently by…

The purpose of this systematic review was to (a) systematically review the literature to identify National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 secondary analyses articles published since 2009 that met the quality indicators for correlational research, (b) further extend the findings of Test et al. by identifying additional evidence to support the…

In addition to typical career development and vocational programs in general education, providing school-based programs that are directly linked to employment and career development for youth with learning and emotional and behavioral disabilities is a legally mandated service in special education. Several broad research-based strategies are…

Despite the potential contributions of adolescent employment to postschool success, many youth who experience emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) do not access these opportunities. This intervention study examined the effects of a package of strategies designed to increase access to summer work experiences. Fifty-seven youth with EBD from…

Since 2001, the International Institute of Women in Engineering (IIWE) at EPF, Ecole d'ingenieurs generaliste, Sceaux, France, has conducted a 3 week short course for culturally and discipline diverse, recently graduated and final year engineering students. The aim of this course is to introduce young engineers to broad global concepts and issues…

Since the transition movement in the 1980s, numerous transition practices have been developed. Kohler (1993) provided a comprehensive review and analysis of transition best practices and divided them into substantiated and implied practices based on the existence of empirical evidence. Since that review was published, the field of transition has…

Mandatory internships are implemented in higher education curricula in order to ease the labour market integration of graduates. This article evaluates the utility of mandatory internships in Germany by assessing the effect on graduates' transition from higher education to work. The authors examine whether these compulsory programmes provide extra…

This interview with administrators of Taswork describes the workings of this youth transition project. Unemployed 16-21-year-olds are accepted into the program and paid a nominal wage to participate in community service projects, while remaining eligible for their unemployment benefits. (CH)

The author describes the Irish Work Experience Programme designed to give youth work experience to increase their employability. Trainees were placed with a private sector employer for 26 weeks and paid a training allowance. Although many subsequently found permanent employment, the program reached few of the most disadvantaged among first-time…

The author describes the Summerleas Youth Cooperative on Griston Farm, Kingston, Australia. This cooperative challenges young people who are dependent on unemployment benefits to engage in personal development that will allow them to become self-supporting. (CH)

Presents the Competitive Employment through Vocational Experiences (CETVE) model of transition from school to work for youth with mild disabilities. Discusses identification and screening of participants, placement in work experience, training, and follow-up. Also covers such issues as interagency cooperation, transportation, liability, and…