Transition to adult life for students with disabilities

Through case studies and clearly presented content, this book helps readers learn what they can do to assist students with disabilities in achieving positive adult outcomes.

Professionals, students of special education and families of students with disabilities will all benefit from this comprehensive introduction to transition services.

This book provides a comprehensive and clear introduction to effective transition services for students with disabilities who are leaving the special education system. The Prologue and Chapter 1 provide an overview of the topic of transition services, and the remaining chapters go into detail about specific aspects of the transition planning process. The central roles of students with disabilities and their families are emphasized. Case studies of two individuals, one with mild disabilities and one with severe disabilities, are followed throughout the text to illustrate effective practices, ensuring readers are able to apply the content to students with different types and severity of disabilities, and are able to understand how practices can be tailored to meet individual student needs. The content is presented so that readers can apply key strategies immediately in their work as teachers or in other professional capacities. Research Summaries in each chapter address the research basis for effective practices that are discussed throughout the book. Spotlight on History in most chapters provides a short biography on an individual who made a significant contribution to the development of transition services. Additional resources and websites are included at the end of each chapter.

Each chapter begins with 'Chapter Objectives' and 'Key Topics to Look For in This Chapter' and concludes with 'Chapter Summary,' 'Application Activities For Practice and Enhanced Understanding,' 'For Your Portfolio,' and 'References.'

Foreword.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Prologue: Overview of Transition to Adult Life for Students with Disabilities.

1. Transition to Adult Life for Students with Disabilities: Foundations, Definitions, and Legislation.

What Is the Purpose of Public Education?

Definitions of Transition

Legislative Definitions

A Definition from the Field

A Broader Perspective on Transition

Other Aspects of Transition

Shift from Entitlement to Eligibility

Domains of Adult Living

Visions of Success

Sue Anne

Mike

2. Student Perspectives and Involvement in Transition.

Concerns and Interests of Typical Adolescents

Research on Students' Involvement in Transition Planning

Self-Determination: Taking Charge of Your Own Life

Sue Anne and Mike

Involving Students in Transition Planning

Before Planning Meetings

After the Planning Meeting

Creative Approaches to Involving Students and Their Families

Person Centered Planning

Mike's Person Centered Plan

3. Families' Perspectives and Involvement in Transition

Times of Change in the Lives of Families

The Family as a System

Research on Families in Transition

Transition and the Families of Sue Anne and Mike

Cultural Differences and Families

Challenges to Family Involvement in Transition Planning

Schedule Changes

Changes in Focus of the Program

Who to Trust?

Where Is the Celebration?

What Is Best for Our Child, and For Us?

Creative Strategies for Better Involving Families in Transition Planning

Build Trust

Heighten Awareness

Ask Guiding Questions

Provide Information

Provide Support and Reassurance

Help Identify Family Resources

Connect to Sources of Support

4. The Transition Planning Process.

Setting the Stage: James' Transition Plan

Research on Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities

The Importance of Effective Transition Planning

A Closer Focus on Transition

The Transition Planning Process

Transition Planning

Transition Preparation

The IEP Meeting for Transition Planning

IEP/Transition Planning Team

The Planning Meeting

Prepare for the Transition Planning Meeting

Make Introduction and Clarify the Purpose

Sequence the IEP and Transition Discussion

Clarify Participant Responsibilities in an Action Plan

Summarize the Meeting Results

The Transition IEP

Generic Transition Planning Practices

Clarification of a Vision of Success to Guide Transition Efforts

Close Collaboration and Support of Family and Significant Others

Dynamic Assessment Processes, Based on Relevant Questions

Reference of Curricula to Local Community Environments

Individual Sequences of Assistance to Enhance Optimal Learning

Connections to Sources of Community Support

5. Interaction Across Agencies.

Setting the Stage, Part II: A Return to James' Transition Plan

Research of Collaboration and Interaction Across Agencies

Community Linkages

Adult Service Options