This paper presents the findings of a Consensual Qualitative Research partial program evaluation of the effectiveness of a secondary transition-to-work training program in a Southeastern public school system. Current literature regarding the history of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, barriers they have faced to…

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,…

This paper summaries a study on the participation of 10 students (ages 18-21) with developmental disabilities in the transition from school to work using the Whole Life Planning model. Data included observations of organizational and planning meetings and structured interviews with the students, parents, and facilitators. Analysis resulted in the…

The paper describes Stepping Stones Growth Center, which prepared handicapped students for transition into competitive employment. The origins of the program and its emphasis on functional skill training are reviewed, followed by a description of three levels of services: a "ready" class stressing basic skills, a "set" class emphasizing…

Transitional service centers are being established nationwide by the Association for Retarded Citizens to increase the employment of mentally retarded and developmentally disabled persons in community-based work settings. These centers will facilitate information collection and dissemination, access to services and resources, interagency…

This Task Force report offers recommendations to state legislatures in the following policy areas: early intervention, family support, transition services, community living, supported employment, and funding for persons with developmental disabilities. Stressed is a consumer orientation which focuses on individual and family strengths and needs.…

The Transition Service Integration Model integrates resources of public schools, rehabilitation, and developmental disability systems. School and private non-profit agencies work together to develop employment and inclusive community activities during the student's last school year. Rehabilitation and developmental disability systems then work…

This annotated bibliography describes in brief approximately 60 resources on transition of individuals with disabilities. It is organized into five sections: (1) transitions in the early childhood years; (2) transitions in the public school years; (3) transitions after school; (4) transitions across the lifespan, and (5) general support resources.…

Six papers address issues in the transition from school to work for mentally retarded and developmentally disabled young adults. The first presents a three-stage vocational transition model emphasizing functional curricula, integrated services, community-based instruction, involvement of parents and adult services representatives, and a diversity…

Many public programs providing employment services and support to developmentally disabled adults foster dependency and work disincentives and fail to provide adequate vocational service. Programs should be better coordinated, focus on transitional and supported work activities, and provide incentives to motivate clients to attain the most…

Competitive employment for individuals with developmental disabilities is the ultimate goal in defining vocational success. Employment training programs for the mentally retarded have often focused on pre-vocational lock-step prerequisite skills rather than on a functional methodology that is skill specific. In contrast, the concept of ecological…

The 1990 edition of this reference manual deals with parent training about supported employment for persons with disabilities. It comprises an annotated bibliography (approximately 500 items) of journal articles, manuscripts, books, and audiovisual materials, and a listing of some of the parent training projects that have developed workshops and…

Sheltered workshops for severely disabled persons should be reformed to emphasize job placement, transition to more independent work environments, and retraining and replacement of workshop staff. A national policy on the employment of disabled persons focusing on supported employment, least restrictive work environments, and career development is…

This position statement of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities addresses the importance of equal opportunities for adolescents and young adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and the need to support the independent functioning of these individuals. Specific…

This implementation guide, based on the MESH model (Montana Model for Education of the Severely Handicapped), is intended to assist administrators and teachers in planning for the transition of special education students from one placement to another, with emphasis on preparation for community living and independent functioning. The 11 modules…