This study explores the perceptions of academic and labor market adaptation among graduates with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in comparison to neurotypical counterparts. Contrary to the expected significant differences attributed to the unique challenges associated with ASD, the findings did not indicate major disparities in…

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) recognizes the current challenges faced by states and schools relative to the provision of high-quality intervener services for children who are deaf-blind. To respond to these challenges, OSEP asked the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) to conduct an…

This inservice guide and six companion documents comprise a series developed for assisting disabled persons in their transition from secondary and postsecondary vocational education to work. The model is designed to prepare support teams of school-community persons. This guide is intended for use by the field coordinator, administrator, and/or any…

The paper addresses the issue of access by disabled persons to the world of work, independence, and adulthood by defining the concept of least restrictive employment and presenting a framework for incorporating it into the public schools. Least restrictive employment is viewed as the placement of disabled youth in paid, integrated employment with…

A successful transition program for individuals with disabilities uses a "train-place-train" concept, where vocational training is provided in school, followed by job placement, followed by on-the-job-training by a job coach who provides support until the employee can work independently. (JOW)

The manual is designed to help administrators plan for the full spectrum of appropriate services needed in vocational education programs for handicapped students in secondary schools. Section I focuses on the functions of the program for the student with a list of components and recommended practices relating to assessment for direct service…

Transition from secondary education to adulthood represents a period during which adolescents with disabilities face multiple responsibilities and changing roles that include establishing independence, attending postsecondary education or training, developing social networks, choosing a career, participating in their communities, and managing…

Strategies and techniques appropriate for providing vocational education and employment to learning-disabled adolescents and adults at both the secondary and postsecondary levels now exist. The first step involves formal and informal activities to appropriately identify learning disabled students. Formal assessments should be conducted by…

The first of five studies in this monograph, "Transition Policies for Youth with Disabilities: Now a Question of Implementation" (Joseph Stowitschek), presents results of a study to determine priority areas for policy analysis among the issues identified in the literature on the school-to-work transition of individuals with disabilities.…

This companion document designed to assist support persons in gaining the necessary understanding, awareness, and knowledge to participate effectively in the individualized education/employment program (IEP) process; five other companion documents; and an inservice guide comprise a series developed for assisting disabled persons in their…

Discusses various aspects of the independent school: course offerings, hours per week in class (intensive study), hands-on training, open entry-open exit format, individualized attention, teacher qualifications, teacher student relationship, most popular courses, student placement in appropriate classes, accreditation, job placement, job…

This handbook is intended to assist vocational teachers who are mainstreaming handicapped students into their vocational education programs. The first section describes the features of six common types of disabilities. The concept of providing a continuum of services and individualized education plans are discussed next. Various aspects of…

Secondary special education programs should include employment or postsecondary education placement outcomes in the curricula for mainstreamed mildly handicapped students. Program elements that support these goals are: individualized transition plans; paid work experience; job-seeking skills curriculum; flexible staffing patterns; active…

This companion document describing the role of parents, family members, and close friends in the individualized education program (IEP) process; five other companion documents; and an inservice guide comprise a series developed for assisting disabled persons in their transition from school to work. Its purpose is to help family and friends…

This handbook is designed to aid educators as they serve handicapped students who are enrolled in regular programs. The emphasis of the handbook is on selecting an appropriate vocational program, developing an individualized education program (IEP), and preparing students for meaningful employment through effective teaching. Addressed in the…