Despite the potential contributions of adolescent employment to postschool success, many youth who experience emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) do not access these opportunities. This intervention study examined the effects of a package of strategies designed to increase access to summer work experiences. Fifty-seven youth with EBD from…

Since the transition movement in the 1980s, numerous transition practices have been developed. Kohler (1993) provided a comprehensive review and analysis of transition best practices and divided them into substantiated and implied practices based on the existence of empirical evidence. Since that review was published, the field of transition has…

Although career development and early work experiences are associated with improved postschool employment outcomes for youth with disabilities, transition personnel report having few natural community partners to support and enhance these experiences. We surveyed 135 chambers of commerce and other employer networks to examine (a) whether and how…

Results of a survey of 173 programs providing Experienced Based Career Exploration (EBCE), a program concept that integrates academic learning and career exploration for handicapped individuals, are presented. (PHR)

This paper reviews and analyzes law and litigation concerning the legal parameters within which schools can provide nonpaid instructional work experiences to students with disabilities. It covers the Fair Labor Standards Act (1938), recent federal appellate and district court cases, and recent guidelines of the Departments of Education and Labor.…

This study assessed the effects of a Brevard County (Florida) high school-based vocational training and community-based on-the-job training program called Brevard's Exceptional Students in Transition (BEST). Results indicated positive improvements in vocational skills and behaviors of participants in the BEST program. (JDD)

The Hawaii Vocational Assessment Research Project has proposed a three stage analysis procedure that helps school districts to assess the impact of vocational assessment on vocational program content, the decision-making process, and the format in which vocational assessment is presented. (CB)

Attitudes of 38 work-experience employers toward the employability of high school special education students were studied. Employers had positive attitudes toward the employment potential of mildly handicapped students and stated that their participation in the work experience program increased the likelihood that they would hire a special…

Twenty-six university students participated as job-sampling mentors for an on-campus transition project for 17 high school students (ages 16- 20) with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. The university students gained new expectations for individuals with disabilities, become more aware of attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, and…

This follow-up study interviewed 720 former special-education students nine months after exiting New York schools for employment, postsecondary education, and community living outcomes. Results indicate special-education program components contributing to success included work experiences, occupational education, transition planning, and…

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…