Improving the Transition Outcomes of Low-Income Minority Youth with Disabilities

Abstract

Abstract This study describes the results of a program developed to improve the transition outcomes of low-income minority youth with disabilities. The program relies on case management support to facilitate interagency collaboration. The participants included 164 graduates from special education and 26 youth from an equivalent comparison group. Two case managers were responsible for providing support to intervention participants. Results indicate that 82% of the intervention participants enrolled in postsecondary education programs compared to only 50% in the comparison group. In addition, 74% of the intervention youth secured employment compared to 23% in the comparison group. Case managers provided 10 main support functions in three areas: job, college, and family/community. Critical functions included assistance with goal setting, transportation, job/college applications, referrals, emotional support, and family mediation. We discuss the implications of the intervention for transition research and practice with minority youth with disabilities. Notes This work was funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) (Grant award #H235H000103). The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not those of the RSA. We appreciate the assistance of Christopher B. Keys, Teresa Garate, R. Noam Ostrander, Katherine McDonald, Maryanne Bellisario, George Ortiz, Cory Cook, and Ximena Melo-Bravo. 1. Manual available at http://disabilityempowerment.org/Advocacy_Products.html.