A pre-test post-test control group design examined the effects of extending transition services beyond graduation on the employment earnings of vocational students (N=62) with disabilities. Youth receiving the extended services had higher earnings and were more likely to be employed or in a training program at 2- and 5-year follow-up. (Contains…

A study investigated relationships between transition program characteristics and positive post-school outcomes by examining the transition services database compiled over seven years from all 67 Florida school districts and the Florida Educational and Training Placement Information Program. No positive relationship emerged between transition…

A study examined barriers to transition faced by 12 young adults with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and their families. Obstacles to transition planning that were associated with SSI included difficulties managing the receipt of SSI and unawareness of the supports available through the SSI system. (Contains references.)…

A transition planning process that focuses on quality-of-life outcomes is presented. The process, which views employment not as an outcome but as a vehicle for the attainment of quality of life, involves six steps: orientation, personal profile development, identification of employment outcomes, measurement system, compatibility process, and…

Case studies of 6 students with moderate/severe mental retardation investigated the impact of the federal transition mandate on student outcomes. Data revealed that high school programs have become more community-based, employment oriented, and age-appropriate with an increased emphasis on establishing linkages with adult service providers.…

A cooperative project of the University of Oregon and Springfield, Oregon, School District provided adolescents with emotional disturbances with a transition specialist to develop a service delivery plan and access services. Self-determination, competitive vocational placements, and educational support were emphasized. Project impact on…

A study used data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988-1994 to compare postsecondary outcomes among 7,007 students with and without disabilities who participated in secondary vocational education. Students with disabilities who participated in vocational education earned more wages than peers with disabilities who did not…

A follow-up study involving 140 special education graduates found vocational education, work-study participation, attending a rural school, and having a learning disability were the best predictors of full-time employment after graduation. Participation in regular academics and attending a suburban school were the best predictors of postsecondary…

In an effort to examine the transition status of Apache Native American school leavers, a 38-item survey collected information from 48 former students with and without learning disabilities. Results indicated the students with learning disabilities had higher rates of unemployment and substance abuse and were less likely to live independently or…

These 4 case studies examine the last years of high school and postschool experiences of 4 21-year-olds labeled mentally retarded. Issues discussed include school compliance with legislation concerning Individualized Education Programs, influence of parental involvement, adult services, and necessary employment supports. (JDD)

Fifty successfully employed handicapped individuals were interviewed concerning their transition from school to work, strategies they used to aid transition, and barriers they encountered. Results illustrated the importance of knowledge of available services; high school education; mainstreaming; academic, job, and social skills preparation;…

This literature review examined the current status of young adults with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) two to five years after leaving high school, in employment, residential environment, social and interpersonal networks, dependency, and learned helplessness. Suggestions for school-implemented community adjustment programs are offered. (DB)