International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 54 - Chapter 3: Supporting Students with Disabilities, Families, and Professionals to Collaborate During the Transition to Adulthood

Elsevier, International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 54, 2018, Pages 71-104
Authors: 
Grace L.Francis, Judith M.S.Gross, Louise Magiera, Joan Schmalzried, Amalia Monroe-Gulick, Sascha Reed

Collaboration among students and their families, educators, and service providers is an expectation of secondary transition services for young adults with disabilities. Such collaboration is outlined in special and general education policies, and research demonstrates the positive influence of collaboration on postsecondary outcomes for young adults with disabilities. However, too often, collaboration among these stakeholders does not occur, leaving students and their families struggling to access needed supports after leaving high school. In this chapter, we review the transition planning process, policy related to collaboration and transition planning, and research supporting collaboration during transition to adulthood for young adults with disabilities. We also describe researched transition programs that increase collaboration among students, families, educators and service providers to support successful transitions to adulthood. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.