Preparing students with disabilities to transition from school to work through self-determination training

Area of Science:

• Special Education
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Youth with disabilities often graduate without essential self-determination skills needed for employment.
• Self-determination skills are crucial for individuals with disabilities to lead their own lives and make future-shaping decisions.
• Transitioning to the workforce requires a clear understanding of abilities and the capacity to advocate for workplace accommodations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature demonstrating the critical role of self-determination skills in securing employment for youth with disabilities.
• To highlight the importance of self-determination for successful school-to-work transitions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an internet search using ERIC and PsycINFO databases.
• Gathered relevant articles and books focusing on self-determination.

Main Results:

• Identified various strategies for teachers and practitioners to foster self-determination in students and clients.
• The literature review provides actionable methods for skill development.

Conclusions:

• Integrating self-determination skills training into the curriculum is vital for transition-aged youth with disabilities.
• Such training prepares youth with disabilities to enter and thrive in the labor force.
• Empowering youth with disabilities through self-determination enhances their employment outcomes.