Abstract: This guide shares a framework for planning community-based transition options for 18-21 year old students with disabilities. This tool will assist local districts in assessing needs and developing transition-focused options within a community-based environment. In addition, the guide assists districts to create a step-by-step process using practical activities and user-friendly forms. The forms have been created to identify student needs, analyze in-school and community resources, set priorities, develop meaningful action plans, and establish the process for evaluation.

In response to recent calls in the field of special education for the development and expansion of services for older students with intellectual disabilities, local school systems nationwide have begun to provide transition services to students ages 18 and older with intellectual disabilities in postsecondary settings such as two- and four-year colleges or other community settings. This brief provides an overview of some successful models of transition services being implemented in postsecondary settings, describes one such model implemented by the Baltimore City Public School System in three local colleges, and presents some of the implications and strategies for success of this model. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.).

"As mandated by federal law, schools must assist students with disabilities in developing appropriate goals and transition plans for life after high school. Written for teachers and student assistance professionals, this comprehensive and practical book focuses on how the planning process can prepare students for the greater independence of postsecondary settings. Recognizing that students with disabilities have a wide range of needs, this resource discusses the transition requirements of various postsecondary options, including colleges, universities, career and technical training programs, and employment. Developed by highly regarded experts, this authoritative guide includes: the most up-to-date information on key legislation that affects transition services and the rights and responsibilities of students and professionals; advice for helping students document disabilities, develop self-advocacy skills, and seek accommodations; information about postsecondary resources on campus and in the community; students' personal stories and a look at the role of family involvement. An overview of transition considerations for middle school youth."--Publisher's website.

Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities provides effective strategies for navigating the transition process from high school into college for students with a wide range of disabilities. As students with disabilities attend two and four-year colleges in increasing numbers and through expanding access opportunities, challenges remain in helping these students and their families prepare for and successfully transition into higher education. Professionals and families supporting transition activities are often unaware of today’s new and rapidly developing options for postsecondary education. This practical guide offers user-friendly resources, including vignettes, research summaries, and hands-on activities that can be easily implemented in the classroom and in the community and that facilitate strong collaboration between schools and families. Preparation issues such as financial aid, applying for college, and other long-term planning areas are addressed in detail. An accompanying student resource section offers materials for high school students with disabilities that secondary educators, counselors, and transition personnel can use to facilitate exploration and planning discussions. Framing higher education as a possible transition goal for all students with disabilities, Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities supports the postsecondary interests of more than four million public school students with disabilities.

"Students with intellectual disability are mandated to have school-based transition planning to support them as they age into adulthood, and many school districts develop transition programs for students between ages 18 and 21. Both law and practice dictate that transition planning be done in collaboration with students and their families. However, culturally and linguistically diverse families may have differing values and beliefs than the school systems and staff that support their children. Such differences may indicate that transition programs are not adequately preparing students with intellectual disability for the lives they will live as adults. This study examines how schools can develop more culturally responsive transition programs in order to better serve culturally and linguistically diverse students, their families, and their communities. It uses a qualitative method using disparate focus groups of teachers, parents, and community members. Analysis of the focus groups utilizes Barry Johnson's principles of Polarity Management to establish five polarity sets: Safety and Risk, Independence and Interdependence, Monoculture and Multiculture, Trust and Advocacy, and Expectation and Possibility. Findings support the hypothesis of incongruity between the transition goals of teachers and diverse families. Recommendations for developing culturally responsive transition programs are provided for various stakeholder groups"--Abstract

In this improved and expanded edition of a classic resource, Paul Wehman and his colleagues take a fresh look at transition, examining the persistent yet unfortunate reality that not working is perhaps the truest definition of having a disability. Specialists in a variety of disciplines can use the creative and practical techniques in this book to ensure careful transition planning, to build young people's confidence and competence in this work skills, and to foster support from businesses and community organizations for training and employment programs. Young people with disabilities need life-skills training before they leave school. Life Beyond the Classroom offers professionals and students indispensable information and effective strategies for ensuring successful, supported transitions.

Self-determination has a powerful positive impact on post-school outcomes for young adults with disabilities--but how can educators teach students the skills they need to make their own choices and achieve their goals as they enter adulthood? This empowering guidebook shows the way. Packed with practical, research-validated guidance on explicitly teaching self-determination skills , this book helps educators support students in communicating their interests and needs, setting and reaching goals, and managing their own lives. Ready-to-use worksheets and activities will help students take an active role in their transition planning, and true case stories highlight the benefits of self-determination instruction: smoother transitions, improved behavior, and fulfilling lives beyond the classroom. DISCOVER HOW TO Assess a student's current level of self-determination Teach essential skills that strengthen self-determination Embed individualized supports and instructional activities within a student's existing education program Create repeated opportunities for students to practice their self-determination skills Collaborate effectively with students and families Develop strong person-centered support teams with the student taking a lead role in transition planning Build support for self-determination across entire schools and communities Teach essential self-determination skills: Expressing preferences Making choices Self-management skills Goal setting and attainment Self-advocacy skills This book is part of the Brookes Publishing Transition to Adulthood Series