Kristine W. Webb

Evidenced Based Practices that Promote Transition to Postsecondary Education: Listening to a Decade of Expert Voices

As increasing numbers of students with disabilities access postsecondary education, research studies and literature reviews have investigated the needs of these students who chose to pursue postsecondary education. These articles included studies that (a) asked students with disabilities to identify needs and (b) summarized needs in literature reviews about students with disabilities in postsecondary education. This article summarizes needs and recommendations from college students with disabilities and authors who reviewed related literature from 1995–2006. The summary includes needs in five areas: self-determination, social skills, academic preparation, accommodations, and assistive technology (AT). Each of these areas of need is described and recommendations for practice are discussed. The purpose of this article is to identify a set of evidence-based transition practices that will address these needs and increase the likelihood of success for students who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.

Connecting Student Outcomes with Transition Practices in Florida

This study investigated the relationships between transition program characteristics and positive post-school outcomes by examining the transition services database compiled over the past seven years from all 67 Florida school districts and the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP), a post-school outcome management system. The results revealed emerging trends that mirror best practices identified in the literature and support the need for further investigation of the relationship between transition program characteristics and positive post-school outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Career development: Preparation, integration, and collaboration

Although outcomes for adults with disabilities are improving, many do not have the same quality of life experienced by their peers without disabilities; they are unemployed, underemployed, have frequent job changes, and may not enjoy friendships or social interactions. To diminish the gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers demands career development and transition planning from high school to post school activities. Students with support from their families, contacts, schools, and agencies can plan, prepare, and organize reasonable and efficient connections to employment, education and independent living options. This article will guide the reader through (a) the history and impact of career development, (b) a discussion about models of career development, (c) essential components and (d) how career development can be integrated into academic and community arenas. Finally, ideas for collaborative efforts that promote and enhance career development and transition are presented.