Transition into supported employment for young adults with severe disabilities: current practices and future directions

Issue title: Community Based Instruction

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wehman, Paul | Revell, W. Grant

Affiliations: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Supported Employment, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA

Abstract: Each year thousands of young people with disabilities in secondary level education programs face questions around how best to prepare for living and working in the community. Given that research studies indicate a high level of unemployment among young adults who have recently transitioned from secondary level education programs, this article reviews the education, transition, and employment service strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness in helping transitioning youth be successful in employment in the adult community. The transition process from youth to adulthood is overviewed with particular emphasis on supported employment as a proven means for providing services and supports in the community. Educational models are described that have demonstrated effectiveness in helping youth with disabilities achieve community integrated employment outcomes. These include functional curriculum, integrated school environments, and community based experiences. Strategies for strengthening implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are described, and a series of recommendations are provided for improving the success of transition efforts.

Keywords: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Transition, Supported employment, Community integration, Functional curriculum Community based instruction

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8108

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 65-74, 1997