This article examines factors influencing the provision of high-quality services to individuals who are deaf-blind. Various definitions of this population and the unique challenges in serving them are addressed, as are transitional services, gaps in services, the importance of interagency collaboration, and components of a successful service…

This article presents a series of steps to help sending and receiving teachers of children with disabilities who are making the transition from preschool to kindergarten. The steps help teachers plan for transition, develop and implement child preparation activities, and integrate preparation activities with existing curricular goals and teaching…

Recent reports examining the federal Adult Education for the Homeless and Job Opportunities and Basic Skills programs conclude that adult education must consider the purposes for which participants will use basic skills and the barriers they face. A comprehensive human resource development system would include case management, use of formerly…

Evaluated relative effects of two enhancement programs for minority and white first-year students entering university (n=175). Minorities had greater satisfaction ratings and awareness of individual differences. Students showed improved adjustment regardless of treatment condition, suggesting comparable effects for 10-week classroom-structured…

Examines concerns of elementary special needs students who must make transition to and from regular classroom and special education classes. Sees counselors in strategic position to act as consultants to regular and special educators involved in mainstreaming special needs students. Identifies two significant areas in which counselors and…

Studied perceptions of 168 Head Start teachers on issues related to transition activities for Head Start graduates going into the public schools. Findings lead to a set of recommendations for effective transition programs that include transition coordinators, cooperation with schools, parent participation, and programs that involve the whole…

Traces changes in policy and legislation that have led to the provision of transition services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Describes provisions in the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act. (CR)

Describes an orientation program for graduate students in a student affairs program at the University of Maryland. Beginning at the time of students' initial inquiry about the program, and continuing through the first semester, this program has been evaluated as effective by participants. (MKA)

A study investigated effects of training related to using the Sequenced Transition to Education in the Public Schools model (STEPS) on the development of community-wide transition systems. Seven teams composed of public schools, Head Start, and early intervention representatives were trained. Change occurred as a result of the training. (Author/CR)

This paper reports results of a qualitative study of the workplace experiences of eight young adults with developmental disabilities. Four characteristics of supportive workplaces were identified: (1) multiple context relationships; (2) specific social opportunities; (3) a personal and team-building management style; and (4) interdependent job…

The program "Take Action" was used to teach six adolescents with mild to moderate mental retardation the skills they needed to attain their daily Individualized Education Program goals. Results indicate all students learned to attain their own daily goals and maintained these skills following withdrawal of teacher instruction. (Contains…

A survey of 109 high school transition programs and 55 adult supported employment programs found that of 7,553 job placements for youth and adults with disabilities, the most frequent category was in food and beverage preparation services. Emerging markets for job placements included tourism and casino jobs. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Describes an attempt to evaluate the Transition Systems Change Initiative despite geographically dispersed program sites and different program goals, activities, and impacts. The design focused on common impacts and unique accomplishments of the projects by making maximum use of existing data. Project directors were involved in planning,…

Participants from four teams attempting to write an interagency agreement on the transition of children with disabilities from early intervention programs to early childhood special education were interviewed at three points in time, spanning 5 months. Results indicate that writing an interagency agreement was a complex, multidimensional, and…

A study examined the outcomes for 140 graduates of the Threshold Program at Lesley University, Massachusetts, a non-degree post-secondary program which aims to help young adults with severe learning disabilities and low-average IQ develop independent living skills. Sixty-nine percent of graduates are living independently and 82 percent are…