Life Beyond the Classroom
Transition Strategies for Young People with Disabilities, Fourth Edition
By Paul Wehman, Ph.D., with invited contributors
Just in time for the implementation of new IDEA regulations, this fourth edition of a landmark text brings together the most up-to-date, comprehensive information on facilitating transitions for young people with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities. Teaming with the best-known researchers in the fields of employment, transition, postsecondary education, disability, and special education, internationally recognized authority Paul Wehman has thoroughly updated the entire book with the latest theoretical information and practical guidance. Future professionals will get cutting-edge research, new statistics and legislation, and timely new chapters on
• inclusion in schools and in the community
• postsecondary education
• autism spectrum disorders
• high-stakes testing and accountability
• assistive technology
• customized employment
• Social Security benefits and work incentives
• self-determination
Readers will also get updated information throughout the book on transition planning, ensuring access to the general education curriculum, pursuing postsecondary education, helping individuals secure housing, meeting the specific needs of young people with a
Table of Contents
________________________________________
About the Editor
About the Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgments.
I: Transition Planning
1. Transition: The Bridge from Youth to Adulthood.
Paul Wehman
Defining Transition
2004 Harris Poll: Limited Progress for People with Disabilities on Employment, Gallup Poll Employer Results: The News Is Not All Bad
Making the Journey to Adulthood: The Importance of Setting Goals
Transition from School to Employment: What Does the Research Say?
Related Disability Legislation
Opportunities That Empower Youth with Disabilities
Challenges That Affect Youth with Disabilities
Transition to Adulthood for Youth With Disabilities
Themes for Success
Conclusion
Study Questions
Appendix: Key Provisions on Transition: IDEA 1997 compared to H.R. 1350 (IDEA 2004)
2. Self-Determination, Student Involvement, and Leadership Development
Michael L. Wehmeyer, Stelios Gragoudas, and Karrie Shogren
Self-Determination, Student Involvement, and Leadership Development
Self-Determination in Transition
Methods, Materials, and Strategies to Promote Self-Determination
Conclusion
Study Questions
3. Individual Transition Planning: Putting Self-Determination Into Action
Paul Wehman
Goals of Individualized Transition Planning
Person-Centered Planning: Values and Transition
Tools and Strategies Associated with Person-Centered Transition Approaches
What are the Best Steps to Implement Person-Centered Individualized Transition Planning?
Conclusion
Study Questions
4. Transition Planning in the Community: Using All of the Resources
Valerie Brooke, J. Howard Green, W. Grant Revell, and Paul Wehman
Community Agencies: Roles, Responsibilities, and Impact
Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach
Impact of Employment on Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Transition and Community Training, Employment, and Support Programs
Promising Transition Models
Public/Private Partnerships: The Role of Business
Conclusion
Study Questions
II: Facilitating and Supporting Transition
5. Moving Toward Full Inclusion
Kim Spence-Cochran and Cynthia Pearl
Reviewing Our Commitment to Inclusion
A Historical Perspective on Inclusion
Philosophical Approaches to Inclusion
Special Education Service Delivery
Challenges of Inclusion
Preparing for Successful Inclusion
Transition and Inclusion
Mission Possible: An Inclusive Community Project
Conclusion
Study Questions
6. Facilitating and Supporting Transition: Secondary School Restructuring and the Implementation of Transition Services and Programs
Mary A. Falvey, Richard L. Rosenberg, Devon Monson, and Lori Eshilian
Traditional Secondary Schools
Inclusive Secondary Schools
Developing a Community of Learners
Universal Access to Learning: New Solutions and Strategies
Effective Instruction
Authentic Assessment
Transition Services and Programs
Conclusion
Study Questions
7. High Stakes Accountability and Students with Disabilities: The Good, the Bad, and the Impossible
Margaret J. McLaughlin and Sandra Embler
What Are the New Reform Policies?
Legal Issues Surrounding High School Assessment of Students with Disabilities
What are We Learning About Students with Disabilities in High Stakes Accountability?
Issues in Including Students with Disabilities in High Stakes Accountability
Summary of Issues
Conclusion
Study Questions
8. Teaching for Transition
Paul Wehman and Colleen A. Thoma
Teaching Secondary Students With Disabilities
The General Education Curriculum
Alteration of or Adaptation to the General Curriculum
Augmenting the Curriculum
Alternatives to the General Curriculum
Pulling It All Together
Conclusion
Study Questions
9. Assistive Technology from School to Adulthood
Amy J. Armstrong and Paul Wehman
Impact of Assistive Technology on Quality of Life
Employment and Assistive Technology
Acquiring and Using Assistive Technology
Choice Based on Need and Preference
Evaluating Assistive Technology
Additional Issues
Conclusion
Study Questions
III: Work and Life in the Community
10. Finding Jobs for Young People with Disabilities
Pam Targett
Getting Started
Identifying Business Contacts
Making Contact
Employer Presentation
Skill Enhancement
Conclusion
Study Questions
Appendix: The Americans with Disabilities Act
11. Job Carving and Customized Employment
Cary Griffin and Pam Targett
Building Employer Awareness of the Need for Jobs
Job Carving
Conclusion
Study Questions
12. Vocational Placements and Careers: Toward Inclusive Employment
Paul Wehman, Valerie Brooke, and Michael D. West
Business and Industry: Where Are the Jobs?
Barriers to Employment Competence
Vocational Options: What Are the Choices?
Telework
Consumer-Driven Approach to Supported Employment
Work Supports
Conversion from Day Programs to Community-Based Employment
Conclusion
Study Questions
13. Pursuing Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
Elizabeth Evans Getzel and Lori W. Briel
Postsecondary Transition Considerations
Adjusting to Postsecondary Education Environments
Conclusion
Study Questions
14. Housing and Community Living
Michael D. West and William E. Fuller
Changing Paradigms of Independent Living
Identifying and Filling Community Support Needs
Types of Support Needs
Conclusion
Study Questions
15. Social Security Disability Benefit Issues Affecting Transition-Age Youth
Lucy Miller and Susan O’Mara
Critical Issues for Transition-Age Youth Under 18
Critical Issues Related to the 18th Birthday
Conclusion
Study Questions
IV: Designing and Implementing Individualized Transition Plans
16. Applications for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Paul Wehman
Who are Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities?
Work and School Issues for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Challenges of Working with Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Assessment of Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Curriculum Strategies for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Community-Based Training: Definition and Rationale
Implementing Individualized Transition Plans for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Evaluating Transition Outcomes for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
Helping Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Enter Inclusive Employment
Conclusion
Study Questions
17. Applications for Youth with Sensory Impairments
Phillip D. Rumrill, Jr., and Pamela Luft
Who Are Individuals with Visual Impairments?
Who are Individuals Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
Who are Individuals Who are Deaf-Blind
Characteristics of Youth with Sensory Impairments
Unique Learning Challenges Presented to Professionals by Youth with Sensory Impairments
Teaching Strategies for Youth with Sensory Impairments
Assistive Technology and Accommodations for Youth with Sensory Impairments
Designing and Implementing Individualized Transition Plans for Youth with Sensory Impairments
Evaluation of Individualized Transition Planning Outcomes for Youth with Sensory Impairments
Conclusion
Study Questions
18. Applications for Youth with Learning Disabilities
Elizabeth Evans Getzel, John J. Gugerty, and Shannon McManus
Defining Learning Disabilities
Experiences of Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Unique Challenges Presented by Youth with Learning Disabilities
Assessment for Transition
Setting Transition Goals
Teaching Strategies
Instructing Students
Assistive Technology
Instructing Students in a Multicultural Classroom
Preparing for Transition
Employment
Conclusion
Study Questions
19. Applications for Youth with Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Paul Wehman
Who Are Youth with Emotional and Behavior Disorders?
Unique Challenges and Issues for Youth with Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Discipline and Functional Assessment
The Need for Highly Qualified Teachers
Transition Assessment
Teaching for Transition
Job Opportunities for Youth with Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Supported Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Conclusion
Study Questions
20. Applications for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Carol Schall, Elin C. Doval, Pam Targett, and Paul Wehman
Characteristics of Youth with Autism
Diagnostic and Behavioral Characteristics of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism as a Multidimension Disorder
Unique Challenges of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavior Challenges, Functional Behavior Assessment, and Behavior Intervention Plans
Characteristics of Programs for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Transition Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Intervention Strategies
Applying the Principles for Functional Curriculum to Communication and Social Skills Teaching
Transition to Work
Study Questions
Appendix: Individualized Transition Plan for a Student with Autism
21. Applications for Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Paul Wehman and Michael D. West
Behavior and Learning Characteristics of Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Unique Challenges Presented by Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Assessment of Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Teaching Strategies for Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Designing and Implementing Individualized Transition Plans for Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Evaluation of Transition Outcomes for Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments
Conclusion
Study Questions
22. Applications for Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury
Pam Targett, Satoko Yasuda, and Paul Wehman
Who Are Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury?
Characteristics of Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury
Enhancing Academic Reentry and Inclusion
Designing School-to-Work Transition Programs for Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury
Employment Supports
Conclusion
Study Questions