Occupational social skills are defined and their importance is highlighted. Four ways to develop appropriate training are offered: adapting commercial general social skills programs, adopting commercial social skills programs with an occupational focus, developing a program based on SCANS, and developing a program based on ecological assessment.…

A study involving 28 Virginian parents of adolescents with disabilities found they identified the quality of their relationship with service providers as the key factor affecting their participation in transition planning. A model is presented that illustrates the potential positive or negative cycle that occurs as families and professionals…

This module, intended for use by special education teachers, defines pragmatics as the ability to use verbal and nonverbal language to take part in a conversation, based on the situation and the conversational partner. It provides responses to seven frequently asked questions about pragmatics and the transition from school to working life for…

This study describes the social interactions used by a group of 10 secondary-aged students with severe to profound mental retardation, using data gathered through the use of narrative recording procedures. The students' interactions were recorded during school arrival, lunch, and vocational training. Results are presented along three dimensions:…

This article discusses the inclusion of systematic preference assessment within transitional planning as a way to accurately interpret the preferences of students who use limited symbolic or nonsymbolic communication means. By using person-centered planning as a framework, it illustrates how to embed preference assessment within transitional…

A study examined whether Talking Mats, a light-technology augmentative framework, could be used successfully with 12 young adults with a learning and communication disability. Participants were able to indicate likes and dislikes and express views about the choices available to them. Some expressed opinions not previously known to their carers.…

This article addresses various methods of assessment and support of social competence in school and the community to prepare individuals with mild to moderate disabilities for adulthood. It emphasizes that transition planning and preparation is a continual process that begins in early school experiences and continues through adulthood. (Contains…

Stresses the importance of understanding the world views of diverse cultural groups and acknowledging differences in communication styles and patterns when planning transitional services for disabled minority students in rural areas. Includes suggestions for effective transition planning for culturally diverse students and their families. (LP)

Social incompetence is a significant cause of postsecondary maladjustment for the learning disabled. The literature is reviewed on factors critical to occupational success; social development of the learning disabled; major social incompetencies (specifically, social perception and problem solving, task-related social behaviors, and social…

This training module focuses on the paraprofessional's role in the transition of students with disabilities from school to the adult world. The module is comprised of two components, a facilitator's guide and a student's guide. The facilitator's guide provides the full text of the student's edition as well as chapter goals to be accomplished by…

This compilation of eight research papers covers various aspects of secondary-level special education and transitional employment involving individuals with mild to profound disabilities. Titles and authors of the papers are: "Parent Involvement in Transition Programs" (Jeff McNair and Frank R. Rusch); "Using a Cognitive-Process…

This manual describes 100 ways to make a commitment to transition via Individual Transition Goals for students with disabilities. The goals cover five basic transition areas: (1) communication and problem solving; (2) daily living; (3) securing and keeping a job; (4) career awareness; and (5) self-determination. To help meet those objectives, 100…

Part of a series that provides practical resources to transition personnel on topics essential to the process of preparing individuals with disabilities for adulthood, this guide focuses on teaching occupational social skills. Chapter 1, "Why Teach Occupational Social Skills?," explains the importance of these skills for successful…