Because of the important role secondary special educators have in the transition to adulthood of adolescents with disabilities, it behooves educators to have an understanding of human development. The lifespan perspective on human development is particularly relevant to transition planning. Individuals with a lifespan perspective believe…

The purpose of this mixed methods action research study was to collect data in order to expand the current transition program in place for students with cognitive impairments. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from district stakeholders regarding the current transition program in place for students with cognitive impairments. In…

Many students identified as having moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) benefit from a curriculum that includes instruction on the functional skills that they will need to successfully transition to adulthood. In particular, this includes students with cognitive disabilities who are most likely to qualify in the 1% who are eligible for the…

Community-Based Independent Living Skills Training for Severely Handicapped Youth is a project of the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Public Schools designed to enhance community training opportunities for individuals aged 16-21. Key issues in program development included: treatment of students as unique individuals, assessments and curricula organized…

The guide provides information on four sequences in the instruction of severely and profoundly handicapped students. The Curriculum Assessment Guide produces an overview of the student's skill development in input modes (tactile, auditory, and visual development); output modes (gross motor and fine motor); activities of daily living…

A transdisciplinary therapy model that integrates visual services into the student's total educational program is illustrated by a case report of a 19-year-old male with multiple handicaps. Traditional domain areas (cognition, communication, motor, and self-help) are linked to environmental domains (domestic living, community training,…

Project COMPETE was designed to promote the successful transition of students with severe handicaps from school to adult life and work in integrated community settings. The project developed an instructional program, trained staff members of the Nassau County (New York) Board of Cooperative Educational Services, recruited jobs for the students,…

This document brings together the first three issues of a newsletter designed for users of the Council for Exceptional Children's Life Centered Career Education (LCCE) curriculum. The newsletter's goal is to inform practitioners of curriculum implementation ideas and transition issues, and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. Featured…

This text is intended to provide new and practicing professionals with an introduction to the strategies necessary to support the transition of students with moderate and severe disabilities from school to community life. It offers recommendations for designing and implementing middle school, high school, and post-high school programs, addressing…

A study examined the distribution, use, and effects of 30 research and development products to improve vocational education for handicapped learners. These research and development efforts were studied through a mail survey returned from 321 respondents, telephone interviews with 100 respondents, and case studies of seven sites where these…