This guide, part of a series designed to provide practical resources on topics critical to the process of preparing individuals with disabilities for adulthood, focuses on infusing real-life topics into existing elementary and secondary curricula. Chapter 1, "Teaching Real-Life Content," discusses the basic concepts and rationale for teaching life…

If the lives of adults with disabilities are any measure of the impact of decades of special education, there are serious problems that must addressed. The employment rate among adults with disabilities, for instance, remains low. If a group of students choose paid employment as a goal for adult life, would not those same students want their…

Profiles an Introduction to Geography course that integrates first year experience (FYE) materials into the curriculum. FYE programs are designed to aid students in the transition to college, develop study skills, increase awareness of useful resources, help students understand the community of the university, and encourage critical thinking. (MJP)

Describes the Transition Leadership program at Kent State University, a doctoral program that builds upon students' experiences as teachers, coordinators, counselors, and program developers. The program uses in-depth study and intensive field work to instill values and competencies which cross special education, rehabilitation, and vocational…

This position paper reviews federal efforts to improve transition opportunities for youth with disabilities, including the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. It supports the value of school-to-work concepts and principles but stresses the necessity of providing adequate safeguards and supports in state plans and local programs and…

This article reviews transition planning requirements specified in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in Great Britain and the effectiveness of the requirements. The Code's emphasis on social and independent living skills is discussed, as is the need for schools to balance process and procedure.…

This article summarizes findings from the Macomb Project's 15 years of research and provision of model demonstration computer application services to young children with disabilities, their families, and service delivery staff. Staff training, administrative support, technology assessments, family involvement, and transition services are all…

Describes the "sister school" partnership between the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut and nearby Braeburn, a public K-5 school. The reciprocal program, which allows several students from each school to spend time in the others' classes, emphasizes the commonalities of all students while still being aware of…

This article describes positive behavior support as it is applied in the context of early intervention and as children progress into elementary school. Variables that contribute to effective interventions are discussed, as are issues that must be considered in order to construct optimally beneficial transitions for children with behavioral…

This paper studied contextual barriers inhibiting implementation of the Life-Centered Career Education/Employability Enhancement Strategies curriculum, which contains career education assessment and instructional materials for high school students with mild disabilities. Barriers included competing administrative commitments, scarcity of…

Describes a program for eighth graders at West Hempstead (New York) Middle School that prepares students for social pressures of high school by building leadership qualities. Includes an overview of the program and a description of program sessions. (NB)

This article addresses the need for aftercare services for adjudicated youth on release from residential juvenile programs. It stresses the importance of collaboration of juvenile justice, mental health, and educational agencies. Specific recommendations include providing a continuum of services involving educational, social, and employability…

This paper describes the vocational programs and transition planning services needed and received by 553 students with and without disabilities during their last year of high school in Oregon and Nevada. Results are discussed in terms of regular and specialized vocational instruction, school-sponsored work experience, vocational skills…

Difficulties in transitioning students with disabilities in rural areas include poor postschool outcomes, transportation problems, limited job market, negative attitudes toward job training programs (resulting from high unemployment), lack of job training sites, and lack of information concerning job accommodation for disabled workers. Includes…

Sixteen Israeli parents of young adults with mild/moderate mental retardation were offered a transitional training program which involved parent group sessions on future planning and, for the young adults, 16 overnights in a respite care program. Children enhanced their independent living skills; parents stress levels increased; and parents…