Transition to living: the neglected component of transition programming for individuals with learning disabilities

The purpose of this article is to document the need for assisting individuals with learning disabilities (LD) to transition to adult life, with particular emphasis on aspects of adult life other than employment and postsecondary education. The adult roles emphasized are maintaining a home, becoming appropriately involved in the community (including recreation and leisure activities), and experiencing satisfactory personal and social relationships. The first section of this article reviews the results of major studies on the adult adjustment of individuals with LD, and discusses these individuals' learning characteristics. The second component briefly highlights existing models of career education and life skills education. The third section focuses on current practices in programming for adolescents with LD; and the final section proposes steps that must be taken if we are to more effectively help these individuals in their transition to all aspects of adult life.