Community employment outcomes were examined for 338 transitioning youth with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in one state 18 months after exiting public school. All transitioning youth received ongoing Developmental Disability agency funding. The majority of transitioning youth (57.1%) were engaged in sheltered or nonwork…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are growing older as a population cohort. Many live at home with family members who are their carers but who are also becoming older and less able to provide care. The housing and support preferences of people with IDs and their carers into older age are poorly characterised in the…

This article describes a secondary analysis of variables from the National Longitudinal Transition Survey 2 (NLTS-2) database. Specifically, students with intellectual disability (ID) were compared to students with other disabilities regarding post-school transition goals listed on their IEPs/Transition Plans, contacts/referrals made to outside…

Background: Australia has few policies to support the transition of older people with intellectual disability from employment to retirement. This study aimed to identify the possibilities and barriers to retirement for older employees in supported employment services. Method: Five distinct participant groups discussed retirement in 6 separate…

Effective transition planning is of paramount importance in maximizing post school outcomes for students with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to examine data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study--2 regarding the transition planning for students with mental retardation. In addition, for comparison purposes, data on transition…

The availability of trainees, service providers, private employers, and low effective costs attest to the success of the Massachusetts Supported Work model, a state-funded transitional employment program for mentally retarded persons, featuring graduated stress and performance requirements, intensive supervision, supportive services, easy…

Twenty-four adults with mental retardation were assigned to a supported work program and were compared with 25 control subjects receiving conventional workshop services. Clients assigned to supportive work did significantly better in the competitive labor market than did clients in extended sheltered employment. (Author/JDD)

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.…

Qualitative research was used to examine transition experiences of 9 young adults with severe disabilities during their last year of high school along with their parents and professionals. Students were remarkably articulate about plans following graduation but had few opportunities to fulfill them meaningfully. Differing perspectives of parents…

The emergence of supported employment programs in the United States has substantially raised expectations concerning the viability of employment in promoting the integration, productivity, and independence of persons with severe disabilities. Frank R. Rusch and David Braddock, in their article "Adult Day Programs Versus Supported Employment…

This guide discusses the processes involved in helping students with cognitive disabilities such as mental retardation find and keep a job. Following an introduction, the guide discusses the types of employment available for these youth and young adults in competitive and supported employment settings. The following section looks at the roles of…

The quality of life of 188 young adults with moderate or severe mental retardation was examined. Young adults who had exited high school had significantly higher overall quality of life scores than did those still attending school. Individuals with community jobs also had significantly higher levels of quality of life. (Contains references.)…

This report provides an analysis of those portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation relevant to the career preparation and employment status of individuals with cognitive impairments. It reviews government-sponsored evaluations and professional research in specific areas of labor and education and reports on a…

The Dispersed Heterogeneous Placement (DHP) supported employment project involved dispersal of three to five consumers across several departments/areas in a larger business or across several businesses in close proximity. The individuals placed had a wide range of talents and disability severity levels. Typically, a four-person site might have one…

This book presents 19 chapters on life span perspectives and service issues for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The book presents best practices and provides a view of the range of services necessary to work with people who have those disabilities. It is intended to provide a core reference for providers in the…