SSI Youth and Family Case Management: A Taxonomy of Critical Factors, Competencies, and Translation to Practice

Youth who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits experience disparate educational, employment, and economic outcomes when compared to youth with disabilities who do not receive these entitlements. Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) was a 6-year national research demonstration project that designed, implemented, and evaluated interventions that led to more successful postschool outcomes for youth SSI recipients ages 14 to 16. Although prior research demonstrations have been conducted testing the combination of case management with other services and supports with SSI populations, research on the taxonomy of those case management strategies considered most effective in supporting positive postschool outcomes is very limited. This article presents a comprehensive taxonomy of case management that provides a common frame of reference for future research on effective case management strategies and translation to practice by discussing implications for policy, practice, and further research when supporting successful postschool outcomes of youth SSI recipients.

Postschool outcomes for Korean American young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and parental perceptions of transition planning

In the literature on young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), little research has been conducted regarding the perspectives of Korean American young adults with disabilities and their families. This study investigated the postschool outcomes of Korean American young adults (aged 18–25 years) with IDD, and their parents' perceptions of transition planning. The postsecondary employment outcomes of Korean American young adults with IDD were poorer than those of other groups of young adults with IDD. Korean American young adults with IDD were also less likely to be enrolled in higher education than were other young adults with IDD studied in past research. Many parents were dissatisfied with the transition planning for their children leaving high school. It is, therefore, important for professionals to ensure that Korean American parents are equipped with appropriate information related to their child's transition planning.

Postschool Outcomes of Youths with Deafblindness in the United States: Building Further Understandings for Future Practice

Introduction: This study examines the postschool outcomes for youths with deafblindness, aged 18–30 years, in the areas of independent living, employment, and friendships. Methods: Survey data were collected on 80 youths with deafblindness across the United States. Data addressed postschool outcomes, in addition to youths’ demographics and high school experiences. Results: The findings of this study suggest that very few youths were living independently or engaged in paid employment. Conversely, it was reported that the vast majority of youths had friends, and most youths had five or more friendships. Associations between the youths’ demographics, high school experiences, and postschool outcomes show that youths with higher skills in reading and problem-solving were more apt to have been educated in inclusive secondary education settings, had access to the general education curriculum, and to have experienced positive postschool outcomes. Transition planning for these youths was not significantly associated with their postschool outcomes. Discussion: These findings are consistent with trends in previous studies regarding postschool outcomes for youths with deafblindness. Future research is needed in formal transition planning and what additional factors may need to be better understood in providing opportunities in postschool life for youths with deafblindness. Implications for practice: Findings from this study suggest better inclusion efforts are needed for students with deafblindness in terms of associated opportunities and experiences that would prepare them for paid employment and independent living, along with social engagement and friendships.

Hispanic Caregiver Experiences Supporting Positive Postschool Outcomes for Young Adults With Disabilities

The rate of competitive employment, or employment in community settings for minimum wage or higher, of working-age individuals with disabilities trails behind individuals without disabilities in the United States. These statistics are even more alarming among Hispanic individuals who have disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the negative and positive experiences of Hispanic caregivers from a Midwestern state as they support their family members with disabilities to achieve positive postschool outcomes, including competitive employment. We conducted semistructured interviews with 13 caregivers of family members with disabilities aged 14–25 years. Three key themes emerged from our analysis: (a) negative experiences with school educators, (b) negative experiences with community-based service providers, and (c) positive experiences and strategies for overcoming barriers. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Peer Support Arrangements to Promote Positive Postschool Outcomes

The use of peer support arrangements can be an effective strategy to improve educational services for students with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When developing peer support arrangements, secondary teachers should consider aligning these services with evidence-based predictors of positive postschool outcomes to help students with ASD achieve transition-related goals. This article presents research-based strategies as well as evidence from peer support arrangements program implemented at a rural high school.

A Look at the Past, Present, and Future of Rural Secondary Transition

Depending on which date is attributed to the birth of secondary transition, it can be considered anywhere from 27 to 57 years old. No matter which date is used, it has been a while since the field “took stock” of itself. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to (a) briefly summarize where the field of secondary transition has been; (b) briefly summarize where we think the field of secondary transition now stands in terms of student postschool outcomes and barriers to successful outcomes in rural communities; and (c) conclude with some thoughts on what is next, how we might get there, and what this means for secondary transition in rural areas.

Implementing a UDL Framework: A Study of Current Personnel Preparation Practices

Young adults with intellectual disability (ID) continue to experience the least successful postschool outcomes among transition-aged youth (Sanford et al., 2011). Experts disagree on the most effective approach to improve outcomes such as employment, postsecondary education, and community living. In 2015, the National Goals Conference brought together educational researchers to set an agenda to guide the field in terms of research, practice, and policy (Thoma, Cain, & Walther-Thomas, 2015). One of their recommendations, based on promising research and practices, urged the field to identify effective personnel preparation and professional development practices that ensure general and special educators can implement a UDL framework (Thoma, Cain, et al., 2015). This study surveyed program coordinators at accredited universities to determine what is currently being done to prepare educators to implement a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the extent to which a UDL framework is being incorporated into preservice courses in higher education, and how a UDL framework is being used to improve postschool outcomes for youth with ID.

An Examination of the Relationship Between Postschool Outcomes and Autonomy, Psychological Empowerment, and Self-Realization

This study examined, using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2, the impact of constructs associated with self-determination (i.e., autonomy, self-realization, and psychological empowerment measured while youth were in secondary school) on postschool—(a) employment and payment/benefits, (b) education, (c) independent living, and (d) social engagement—outcomes. Findings suggest that up to 8 years after youth exited school, autonomy, self-realization, and psychological empowerment predict postschool outcomes. Psychological empowerment showed a strong relationship with employment wages and benefits, and autonomy and self-realization contributed to predicting independent living and postsecondary education enrollment. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.