Culturally Diverse Parents' Experiences in Their Children's Transition

Abstract

Despite the benefits of parental involvement in a student's transition planning process, the reality is that parents of students with disabilities are often not adequately involved. This problem is particularly salient with regard to culturally diverse parents. The purpose of this study was to gather in-depth information about parents' experiences in the transition planning process. Nineteen African American, Asian American, European American, and Hispanic parents of 19 high school students with disabilities were interviewed by telephone regarding their knowledge and involvement in their children's transition planning process. Emergent themes included a lack of knowledge regarding transition planning, the importance of attending Individualized Education Program and transition meetings, the importance of employment, the importance of home support, and parental emotions as barriers.