Post-secondary outcomes for students with and without disabilities have been documented in transition research for over three decades. However, despite efforts to improve outcomes by the field of transition, former students with disabilities outcomes have remain lower than their non-disabled peers. Historically, the data, which has been collected…

The provision of services to youths with visual impairments who are in transition from school to work and adult life is not a new concept. Projects have focused on this population for many years within the rehabilitation and education communities. Beginning in the mid-1970s, the U.S. federal government passed numerous pieces of legislation that…

The transition to independence can be a perilous journey for youth who have faced behavioral challenges. Many have not yet developed the social, emotional, and problem-solving skills to meet the challenges of adult life. But this can be a period of growth and accomplishment when youth can form stable connections and develop life skills. This is…

One of the biggest fears and challenges a parent of a child with special needs faces is navigating the post-22 landscape. When a child hits the age of 22, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is no longer required to provide daily services and support. Whatever the abilities, or disabilities, of a child, every parent has the…

This review focuses on both published and unpublished literature in the areas of education, employment, and independent living outcomes across 13 handicapping conditions. Preliminary chapters describe the database system used to manage the literature identified, and discuss research methods in transition literature. Subsequent chapters then review…

A model is presented for the school-to-community transition of disabled students. The model emphasizes occupation, residential adjustment, and existence of desirable social and interpersonal networks. Problems in these three areas are documented, and development of the Oregon Transition Team Model to improve patterns of service and care is…

Issues relevant to the school-to-community transition of deaf adolescents were identified and subsequently prioritized by 339 deafness professionals. Issues receiving highest priority were related to joint planning efforts among schools, departments of vocational rehabilitation, and families; training of independent living skills; and development…

An occupational therapy-based independent living skills program at a California high school was designed to help disabled adolescents assume adult roles. Based on occupational science principles, the program's themes include occupation and occupational role, environment, independence, and adaptation. (SK)

This article examines the history of transition policy and legislation, current postsecondary outcome experiences, and transition planning services to improve outcomes for youths with learning disabilities. The article concludes that the key catalyst of any transition program lies in thorough and ongoing assessment of individual needs, strengths,…

The McLellan County (Texas) Cooperative for Exceptional Children emphasizes vocational training in community settings as well as domestic skills through the Living in Functional Environments program. Community-based instruction improves the transition not only to employment but to independent living and community participation for youth with…

Describes a transition program at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind that helps 18- to 21-year olds bridge the gap between high school and adult life. Through multi-agency collaboration, students can take advantage of a community college educational program and learn independent living skills. (CR)

This annotated bibliography describes over 200 books, journal articles, digests, curricula, and monographs on the transition of youth with disabilities to work, community living, and postsecondary education. Resources are listed alphabetically by author within the following categories: (1) basic information on transition, (2) vocational/career…

Comparison of hearing (n=222) and deaf (n=217) young adults on employment, independent living, and social experience outcomes found that the hearing group was generally more successful than deaf persons from mainstream or residential schools. Gender differences did not uniformly favor men. Suggestions for improving transition programs for the deaf…

This publication is the second annual description of data examining the educational, employment, and independent living outcomes attained by youth with handicaps as they exit school and enter the work force. The publication contains tables and figures presenting data on the percentages of youth served by handicapping condition at the state level…

This paper describes an initiative launched in New South Wales, Australia, in 1989 to help students with disabilities move from school to community settings. The program established partnerships among schools, communities, service providers, and government agencies, resulting in smoother transitions and improved postschool options and quality of…