Self-determination is an important component of transition services and prompting this outcome requires that educators use assessment both to design instruction and provide information about instructional effectiveness. This article introduces self-determination as a critical transition outcome, examines assessment issues, and overviews practices,…

Summarizes a dissertation that compares the transition outcomes of special needs students in Georgetown, South Carolina, with findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study. Both studies found that special needs students were generally unemployed and underemployed and experienced socialization problems after high school, with greater…

This article provides a review of the literature regarding changing communication profiles of individuals with autism as they reach adolescence and young adulthood. The impact of these language patterns on social and vocational functioning is addressed. Guidelines for assessment, goal development, and intervention are presented through a…

This transition policy update presents regulatory language associated with key provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act Amendments of 1990, as set forth in the August 14, 1992 issue of the "Federal Register." The discussion focuses on: the inclusion of youth with disabilities within the term…

This policy update provides an overview of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program as it applies to youth with disabilities at the time of their transition from high school. The paper defines "disabled individual" and "substantial gainful work," outlines how income and resources are identified for determining…

In spite of the fact that movement has occurred, vocational education and job placement services for individuals with disabilities have produced few significant results in the past 10 years. Since school represents an institution where children gather on a consistent and long-term basis, the facilities are available and usually comprehensive, and…

This information brief explains the Transition Service Integration Model, an approach to integrating service systems at the point of transition for youth with significant disabilities. It explains that the Transition Services Integration Model is designed to combine the resources of school and postschool systems in sharing the costs of a…

This monograph addresses issues in the appropriate education of children and youth with disabilities, especially emotional and/or behavioral disorders, who are in juvenile correctional facilities. An introductory chapter considers the characteristics of students with E/BD in the public schools; educational services in juvenile corrections; and…

Explores the period between the end of high school and the beginning of college. Focuses on transition programs for undergraduate students of traditional age with disabilities and examines legislative impetus; state activities; model transition programs; transition results; and implications for campus student services staff, such as campus…

Discusses the maturationist, behaviorist, and cognitive interactionist views of transitional programs. Research on transitional programs and possible effects of such programs on kindergarten and first grade classes is discussed. (BG)

This article examines the history of transition policy and legislation, current postsecondary outcome experiences, and transition planning services to improve outcomes for youths with learning disabilities. The article concludes that the key catalyst of any transition program lies in thorough and ongoing assessment of individual needs, strengths,…

This paper addresses the transition of young children from preschool programs that provide special education services to kindergarten or alternative elementary school placements. The roles of the child, family, and service providers in transition preparation, planning, implementation, and evaluation are described. Components of successful…

This paper conceptualizes transition as an outcome-oriented process leading to quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The paper discusses theoretical issues pertaining to the definition and conceptualization of quality of life, research findings in this area, and issues that should be addressed in the future. (Author/JDD)

This article reviews five categories of critical characteristics of high-quality secondary-level vocational instruction programs that increase the likelihood that students with severe disabilities will obtain paid community employment upon graduation. Categories include location of instruction, curriculum, instructional strategies, transition…

The research literature is reviewed for transitions from birth to eight years. A model describes transition as a change in ecocultural niche, requiring accommodations in daily routines for a child, family, and service providers and transition impact measures the number of accommodations required and the sustainability of daily routines.…