A multiyear critical participatory action research study was conducted with a total of 503 youth and young adults with disabilities (ages 14–25), family members, and transition stakeholders across the State of Pennsylvania. Youth and young adults with disabilities, families, and stakeholders served as participant researchers who collaborated in operationalizing post-school outcomes and the high-quality

Transition coordinators are key players in the delivery of high-quality transition services, but little is known about how they interpret and enact their roles. This qualitative study examined how transition coordinators conceptualize their role and the factors that shape their effectiveness. Emergent themes revealed that transition coordinators broadly conceptualized their role as ambiguous, autonomous

The Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) research model demonstration projects (MDPs) were built on a foundation of previous demonstration projects, such as the Youth Transition Demonstration project (Fraker & Rangarajan, 2009) and Bridges From School to Working Life (Will, 1983). Building upon this foundation, PROMISE served a growing population of youth with disabilities

Many youth with disabilities experience persistently low rates of competitive integrated employment (CIE) and participation in higher education. In 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) established a policy focus on CIE as the goal of vocational services for youth and individuals with disabilities. In addition, WIOA created provision for Pre–Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Transitioning students with disabilities are at a disadvantage for post-school employment. This article explores ASPIRE case managers’ roles in promoting employment among transition-age youth with disabilities receiving SSI. Qualitative and quantitative studies examined programmatic factors related to employment. Results showed that higher rates of face-to-face case management meetings and early employment

Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans may earn a diploma or a certificate of completion when leaving secondary education. This study examined differences in career- and work-based learning services and work experiences of students who earned a high school diploma or a certificate of completion upon exiting high school. Case service data of 969 students with disabilities

College students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face challenges searching for jobs, often lacking communication and social skills needed during formal interviews. The COVID-19 pandemic complicates interviews, forcing students to search online and attend virtual interviews. This study used a multiple probe design across participants to examine the acquisition of literacy-based

Youth who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits experience disparate educational, employment, and economic outcomes when compared to youth with disabilities who do not receive these entitlements. Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) was a 6-year national research demonstration project that designed, implemented, and evaluated interventions that led

We examined the self-determination of English learners with disabilities in secondary school, based on a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012). Self-determination characteristics of English learners with disabilities differed significantly from those of other students with disabilities, and of English learner students and students who are not English learners

Racially and ethnically diverse youth with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits were randomly assigned to usual services, including available school and vocational rehabilitation (VR) transition services, or enhanced case management and transition services through the Wisconsin Promoting Readiness of Minors in SSI (PROMISE) federal demonstration grant. A hierarchical logistic

Transition services, particularly those that feature work-based learning experiences, often require designated staff to spend the majority of their time in the field. They also require that staff have the skills and supports to properly and effectively deliver these services. Training and monitoring these staff is critically important to ensure youth with disabilities experience strong employment outcomes

A strengths-based approach to transition assessment and planning can ensure that special education services are person-centered. To better understand the strengths and needs of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), we compared the perceptions of students and their teachers from three public high schools. A convergent mixed-methods analysis of transition assessments, interviews, and

This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of barriers to planning and organizing work-based learning experiences (WBLEs) for students with intellectual disability. Participants were high school special education teachers who had at least one student with an intellectual disability age 14 or older on their caseload (n = 256). Teachers were asked to complete an online questionnaire about WBLEs. We

Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE), a study of 13,444 randomly assigned youth and their families, includes six model demonstration projects and a technical assistance center funded through the U.S. Department of Education and a national evaluation of the model demonstration projects funded through the Social Security Administration. The Departments of Labor

It has been a difficult and disquieting year for this field and for our world. The global pandemic has thrust families, schools, and communities into uncharted and ever-challenging territory. The impact on students with disabilities—particularly those from diverse or marginalized backgrounds—has been especially acute. So much of what is advocated as best practices in transition education has been arduous

Students with disabilities are entering college in increasing numbers. Despite the increase, college persistence and completion remains a troublesome hurdle. Evidence-based practices and predictors have been identified for secondary-level students with disabilities; however, a parallel classification does not exist for postsecondary education. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine

Parental expectations are important for autistic youth during the transition to adulthood, but less is known about the expectations of other stakeholder groups. The current study examines the similarities and differences in expectations among autistic youth, parents, and professionals. Data were collected through six focus groups with 24 participants (7 parents, 11 professionals, and 6 young adults

Research suggests youth with disabilities are less likely to experience positive outcomes compared to peers without disabilities. Identification of in-school predictors of postschool success can provide teachers (e.g., special education, general education, career technical education), administrators, district-level personnel, and vocational rehabilitation counselors with information to design, evaluate

Job seekers with autism will likely benefit from explicit instruction in job interviewing skills given their social communication support needs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a video-based intervention (VBI) to increase storytelling ability in responding to Patterned Behavior Description Interview (PBDI) questions in mock job interviews for college students with autism. This

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using video modeling (VM) to teach three young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) to independently communicate their physical location via text and phone call. We used a multiple-probe research design across behaviors to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Data indicated most participants required

Transition education should be grounded in quality research. To do so, educators need information on which practices are effective for teaching students with disabilities transition-related skills. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to identify evidence-based and research-based practices in secondary special education and transition for students with disabilities. This systematic

There is a growing urgency to equip transition-age students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. Prior research demonstrates the positive effects of job coaching, yet no known training exists for educators to learn how to provide appropriate employment-related supports to promote student independence and social integration. We conducted a stratified

Goal setting and attainment are critical skills for young people with disabilities as they plan for their postschool lives in areas such as employment, postsecondary education, and community life. This article presents an analysis of the types of goals set by transition-age students with intellectual disability over 3 years while supported by teachers to use an evidence-based practice to promote self-determination

Increasing engagement to school, employment, and community are strong predictors of reducing recidivism for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. This study examined what occurs at reentry upon leaving a youth correctional setting. This study comprised of qualitative semi-structured interviews of transition specialists (TSs; n = 7) and young offenders (n = 8) who participated in a 4-year reentry

This study used data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012) to explore the individualized education program (IEP)/transition planning participation and role of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, compared to students with other disabilities. We viewed students with the most significant cognitive disabilities as those included in three disability categories—autism

Developing skills for functional independence is important to gain employment, engage in postsecondary education, and live independently. Unfortunately, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties with functional independence skills needed to complete common, everyday tasks. This study examined the effects of work systems to increase independent task initiation and completion

This single case design study evaluated the effects of a video modeling (VM) intervention on the customer service skills of five young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Verbalization of greeting, service, and closing phrases contextualized to community employment settings were the target behaviors. A systematic approach to visual analysis indicated the presence of a functional relation for

Effective collaboration among schools and agencies is critical to the success of pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS). We examined the views of 596 middle and high school educators regarding pre-ETS and the employment prospects of their students with disabilities. Educators overwhelmingly affirmed that youth with disabilities needed better preparation for employment, but they were more mixed

Religious organizations often serve as mainstays of communities, especially rural communities with otherwise limited support to promote improved transition outcomes. Yet, religious organizations appear not to be utilized as agencies in transition service partnerships. This article addresses involving religious organizations in the transition process through interagency collaboration by providing strategies

Postsecondary education (PSE) programs for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) have increased steadily since the passage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore a decade of research pertaining to PSE programs for students with IDDs on college campuses. Online databases were examined. Hand searches were completed to

This study examined the effectiveness of interventions used to increase the participation of adolescents with disabilities during individualized education program (IEP) meetings. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify and synthesize the group-design experimental literature on this topic, as well as evaluate intervention effects. Six studies met inclusion criteria

Young women with disabilities face multiple barriers that limit their career pathways. Little research has been conducted to examine how cognitive constructs of career self-efficacy and outcome expectations contribute to their future aspirations. This study examined direct relationships between career self-efficacy and outcome expectations on future aspirations, mediating effects of autonomy and self-realization

In response to the growing necessity for considering the cultural and contextual needs of youth with disabilities in experimental studies, this study examines the effectiveness of an intervention package consisting of video prompting with a system of least prompts and reinforcement on Korean American adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Through the replication of procedures used in a study by

This study investigated K–12 experiences individuals with disabilities perceived as influencing their transition to and participation in postsecondary education. Using a convergent transformative mixed methods research design, the study integrated findings from interviews and surveys (n = 13) using multiple correspondence analysis. Qualitative analyses yielded eight K–12 facilitators of postsecondary

In this study, students with and without disabilities (n = 816) in general and special education settings in Grades 9 through 12 were participants in a quasi-experimental design to examine the main effects of an online curriculum intervention with transition-related content on career readiness. Setting and teacher characteristics were examined for moderating effects. Results showed a main effect across

This study examined factors associated with disability disclosure to professors among students with disabilities (n = 289) who either registered or did not register with disability support services (DSS) in postsecondary education from six public colleges and universities located in a Mid-Atlantic U.S. state. Past experience in requesting accommodations and perceptions of faculty’s willingness to provide

Students with significant disabilities typically experience poor postschool employment outcomes. However, when provided opportunities to work and engage within their communities, they can gain necessary work-specific and workplace social skills to improve outcomes. This article outlines a six-step model for community-based employment programs designed to support students with significant disabilities

Transition planning must consider all aspects of the student’s postsecondary goals. Although the makeup of personnel in educational settings are predominantly White, the number of students from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse (CELD) backgrounds continues to grow. This article promotes personal reflection on cultural competence, suggests how to incorporate cultural responsiveness

This article synthesizes policy and intervention options for youth with disabilities based on recent reports from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. To frame findings from both reports, we utilize a life course approach. This approach is important as youth’s needs for supports change as they age, particularly

This article describes the Division of Career Development and Transition’s (DCDT) position regarding Career Technical Education (CTE) and provides recommendations regarding more intense collaboration to improve access to and persistence in CTE for students with disabilities. Professional groups, such as the DCDT and the Association for Career and Technical Education, as well as policy makers, should

This study explored teacher perceptions of their ability to implement the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) with fidelity and the impact of these perceptions on student self-determination outcomes on the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report (SDI:SR). Using a piece-wise growth model, we found stability in teacher perceptions of their implementation over a 2-year period even

Self-determination, defined by acting as the causal agent in one’s life, plays a critical role in the transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and community living for all students, including students with significant support needs. The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) is a teaching model designed to enable teachers to promote self-determined action by

The role of research in transition education has been prominent and influential. Yet too many young people with disabilities are still not experiencing outcomes aligned with their personal aspirations and priorities. Moreover, individuals with disabilities continue to experience barriers to employment, educational, economic, and other challenges well into adulthood. Moving forward as a field will require

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid intellectual disability (ID) are vastly underrepresented in the area of postsecondary employment. This study evaluated the effectiveness and perceptions of an intervention package incorporating constant time delay (CTD) and eCoaching to promote employment skill acquisition. CTD was used by a teacher interventionist to instruct four student

A basic understanding of math, numeracy, and related concepts are critical skills for functioning independently in society. Individuals with disabilities often struggle with basic math, which impedes their ability for independent living. Augmented reality (AR), which builds on the evidence-based principles of video modeling, is a promising teaching strategy of providing math instruction to individuals

Parent involvement and parent–professional collaboration influence positive transitions from school into adult life among young adults with disabilities. However, parents frequently report being uninformed and uninvolved in transition planning and there is a paucity of information on how to develop these relationships in high school and postsecondary settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate

We conducted an exploratory descriptive qualitative study on extant data of responses to the state’s open-ended question from their annual post-school outcomes survey: “If you could tell your school one thing, what would you tell them (make a suggestion to help better prepare current students for life after high school)?” Respondents from one northwest state consisted of former students with disabilities

High school work experience is a predictor of postsecondary employment success for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Developing integrated work experiences often requires schools to partner with local businesses; yet, secondary special education transition teams may not have prior experience or preparation in this type of transition work. Drawing on supported employment

Engagement and academic success in middle school is critically important to ensure students with disabilities complete high school and have a viable path to and through postsecondary education. Although most middle school students say they want to pursue postsecondary education or training, a significant proportion are not actively engaged in college and career readiness (CCR) activities in middle

The Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) model demonstration program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education was implemented initially from 2010 to 2015. During this time, 27 institutions of higher education were awarded grants to develop programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Many secondary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not taught employability skills and routines needed for competitive or supported employment in regular community environments. Literacy-based behavioral interventions (LBBIs) that combine print, pictures, and behavioral rehearsal are effective for promoting acquisition and maintenance of numerous skills, but have not been investigated

In contrast to the increase in college enrollment rates of youth with learning disabilities (LD), graduation rates have remained stagnant and low. Using propensity methods, this study examined the effect of disability-specific and universally available support receipt on the college perseverance and completion of students with LD. Based on secondary analysis of National Longitudinal Transition Study

The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 expanded the legal definition of disability to establish broader coverage for individuals with disabilities, including college students, than the definition in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The new interpretation of the definition of disability shifted the main purpose of documentation from proving eligibility for services as

Transition planning is particularly important for dually identified English learners with disabilities, who frequently face additional challenges to postsecondary education success. This study examined postschool expectations, transition planning experiences, and supports of a nationally representative sample of English learners with disabilities, based on secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal

Video modeling is an effective teaching method for supporting individuals with disabilities to learn various skills. Yet, limited research explores the use of video modeling to teach social skills for employment. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of video modeling, alone and in conjunction with the system of least prompts, to teach three young adults with intellectual disability to

Preparing secondary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for a variety of potential professions is important to enhance their postsecondary employment outcomes. This article provides step-by-step guidelines for practitioners to use video modeling interventions to develop the customer service skills of students with ASD who are employed or participating in employment experiences in their communities

Early work experiences predict future employment for youth with visual impairments, particularly when youth find jobs independently, but research has not supported the efficacy of sponsored work for this population. The most effective work experience programs include additional components such as job search assistance, and job search interventions are effective at improving employment outcomes. Thus

Strong family–school partnerships are crucial throughout K–12 education as they enable the development and implementation of meaningful educational programs for students with disabilities. This is especially true during transition planning. In many families, youth with disabilities have siblings that are a core part of the family unit, are likely to have the longest relationships with their sibling

Amid rapid growth in the higher education movement, access to inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID) remains limited. This study used “community conversations” to explore how stakeholders in three communities envisioned the inclusion of students with ID on their local college campus and the supports needed to launch new postsecondary programs. Conceptualizations of

Research indicates that employers rate personal hygiene as the number one barrier to employment among individuals with developmental disabilities. However, there is limited literature on improving personal hygiene in preparation for employment among individuals with developmental disabilities. Using a multiple-baseline across-participants design, this study examined the effect of self-monitoring on