Eight papers outline the nature of the present federally funded effort to improve the evaluation data gathered by programs for the transition of handicapped adolescents to higher education or work. Evaluation research, program evaluation flexibility, and professional standards are considered. Two other evaluation studies consider international…

Interviews with parents of 14 students with disabilities examined the support parents received during their child's transition to an integrated educational placement. Parents consistently expressed satisfaction with integration and professional and personal support received. Parents stressed local school district commitment, an individualized…

Explores how secondary transition initiatives for students with disabilities have influenced the implementation of secondary curriculum and preparation of secondary educators, recommending that to prepare all secondary students for their futures, secondary educators must acquire a knowledge base in vocational values and domains, technological…

The editors of this journal comment on an article by John Johnson and Frank Rusch (EC 606 176), which reported that few of the recommended "best practices" in transitional services are actually supported by empirical data. The editorial urges greater empirical investigation in the field of career development, especially research on "best…

The University of Hawaii Department of Special Education conducted the Preschool Preparation and Transition Project, a federally funded demonstration program, to support families and their children with special needs in the transition from infant programs to least restrictive preschool placements. The program addressed this goal through three…

This article examines vocational programing for students with disabilities in the context of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Trends are identified in transition, technology and worksite modification, and employment of people with disabilities. The new law's requirements concerning employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and…

Outlines planning procedures and strategies that enable special education supervisors to fit work transition programs for disabled students to local circumstances. Discusses school and community needs assessment to establish program goals; alternative program models; and planning imperatives related to knowledge of the community, staff background,…

This paper points out that one way to infuse self-determination skill training into a comprehensive transition program is to teach students with disabilities to direct and manage their own Individualized Education Program. The transition policy of the Academic School District in Colorado Springs (Colorado) is presented as a model. (JDD)

Describes an interview format for use in engaging families of young people with disabilities in dialogue regarding vocational programming needs. The interview addresses parental expectations, family experiences and preferences, the student's personal needs, family support, transportation options, and wages and benefits. Ways to integrate results…

A study examined outcomes for 38 adolescents with disabilities from a career exploration and job-seeking skills instructional program. Results indicated students demonstrated better vocational decision-making confidence and career decisiveness, and performed better completing a job application and in a simulated employment interview. (CR)

Discusses initiatives undertaken by Sheffield Hallam University (England) to raise awareness of higher education opportunities, increase access, and provide support to a diverse group of students in the local community. Describes the development of pre-entry transition courses and "awareness-raising" programs for students with disabilities, ethnic…

Explores an integrated approach to technology, examines the transition of individuals with disabilities from historical and current perspectives, and provides an introduction and philosophical base for the articles which follow. Key provisions in federal legislation that affect transition and the technology applications are analyzed. (CR)

Describes a model framework to guide decision making about the use of technology to facilitate the development of competencies that people with disabilities need to make a successful transition from school to various adult environments. Legal mandates and types of technology are described. (Author/CR)

Representatives from 34 local interagency coordinating councils were interviewed about interagency agreements for the legally required transition from the infant/toddler to preschool service delivery system at age 3. Results indicated that most communities included the majority of legal transition requirements in their agreements. Policy issues…

This article describes how coteaching in a general education life skills class became an effective way to provide inclusive instruction to benefit all of the students, both with and without disabilities. The collaborative team unified separate special education and general education transition efforts within a general education transition class.…