Now in a thoroughly revised and updated second edition, this handbook provides a comprehensive resource for those who facilitate the complex transitions to adulthood for adolescents with disabilities. Building on the previous edition, the text includes recent advances in the field of adolescent transition education, with a focus on innovation in assessment, intervention, and supports for the effective transition from school to adult life. The second edition reflects the changing nature of the demands of transition education and adopts a "life design" approach. This critical resource is appropriate for researchers and graduate-level instructors in special and vocational education, in-service administrators and policy makers, and transition service providers.

This book covers the transition of individuals with mild and moderate disabilities to all aspects of adult life. The text includes not only the transition to employment, but also the transition to future living and post-secondary educational environments. Transition Education and Services for Adolescents with Disabilities builds upon the success of past editions, but it also presents a new and fresh look at the areas of transition education and transition services. Two separate models are proposed, one to cover transition education and the other to provide an overview of transition services. The separate but equal emphasis on each model component will help readers see their own roles more clearly. This book is intended for use by those in pre-service education programs as well as those currently in the field.

"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.

Transitions to adulthood for adolescents with disabilities are as diverse as the adolescents themselves. While there have been marked improvements for students with disabilities, there is still concern that employment education and independent living outcomes are not equitable across groups of students. For example, adolescents of color are more likely to face exclusionary discipline procedures in school resulting in detention and court involvement which, in turn, can limit access to educational opportunities in inclusive settings. Recommending a shift toward strengths-based approaches to research and practice, Trainor explores how all stakeholders, including researchers and practitioners, can help shape equitable opportunities for youth with disabilities in transition. Transition by Design reframes disability, diversity, and equity during the transition from high school to adulthood. Book Features: Uses a unique theoretical framework in transition: cultivating a culture of practice. Lays out an in-depth examination of the school-to-prison pipeline as a major issue in transition. Examines health status and healthcare access issues relative to transition. Calls for culturally responsive approaches to research by exposing the limitations of intervention methods and holes in the extant literature.

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.

This book is an authoritative volume of scholarship through qualitative and quantitative methodologies on postsecondary transition services for a diverse readership. The editor’s intended audience is composed of students with disabilities, school administrators, special education coordinators, colleges and university faculty, staff, and administrators, among other scholars, practitioners, and advocates. Readers of this volume will be educated on the postsecondary transition process, and the lifelong commitment of educators who guides students with disabilities through their rigorous, yet rewarding journey. This book also can be used by student personnel administrators, employers, student retention coordinators, and workforce development professionals to improve the implementation of postsecondary transition services. The importance of comprehensive transition planning for students with disabilities is the impetus for bringing this collaborative effort to print. Topics in this volume highlight areas that have critical implications for children and adolescents’ preparation for adulthood. Contributors’ presents potent research regarding various topics addressing P-16 students’ needs, and have been active practitioners in both areas – transition services and disabilities as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. Ultimately, this book is a collection of interrelated chapters that offer rich content and insights into current trends for individuals with disabilities who are moving through various stages of their lives.

"Covering transition policies and practices, Transition Planning for Secondary Students with Disabilities, 4th edition, emphasizes how to let student goals and future environments guide transition planning and programming. The text tackles a range of transition topics from legislative policies to specific transition activities. A strong theme emphasizes four essential elements of transition and connects content across chapters and topics. Unlike other books, this one offers a unique backward planning process that focuses on a student's self-determined goals and post-school environments as a basis for current transition planning."-- Back cover.