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Program transitions from sheltered workshop to community-based endeavors
1Better Community Living, Inc., New Bedford, MA 02740.
Psychological Reports
|June 1, 1994
Summary
A smooth transition between day programs for individuals with disabilities may not require extensive preparation. Even without a transition period, targeted behaviors significantly decreased for James, suggesting shorter transitions can be effective.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Behavioral Science
- Social Work
Background:
- Individuals with disabilities often experience social adaptation challenges when transitioning between day programs.
- Program changes can negatively impact social adjustment and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of transition duration on social adaptation in individuals with disabilities moving between day programs.
- To determine if a lengthy transition period is essential for successful program changes.
Main Methods:
- A comparative case study analyzing two individuals with disabilities transitioning between day programs.
- One individual (James) had no transition period, while the other (Peter) had a four-week transition.
- Behavioral changes and social adaptation were monitored one month post-transition.
Main Results:
- James, with no transition, showed a 99% decrease in targeted behaviors.
- Peter, with a four-week transition, demonstrated a 100% decrease in targeted behaviors.
- Both individuals exhibited significant positive behavioral changes regardless of transition length.
Conclusions:
- A long, structured transition period may not be a prerequisite for successful adaptation to new day programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Shorter or no transition periods can also lead to substantial improvements in targeted behaviors.
- Further research is needed to explore factors influencing successful transitions in disability services.