Summer employment and community experiences of transition-age youth with severe disabilities

Erik W. Carter, Nicole Ditchman, Ye Sun, Audrey A. Trainor, Beth Swedeen, Laura Owens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Although early work experiences during high school represent one of the most consistent predictors of postschool employment for young adults with disabilities, little is known about how these adolescents might access these valuable transition experiences. This study examined the summer employment and community activities of 136 high school students with severe disabilities. The majority of youth was either not working (61.7%) or reported sheltered employment (11.1%). The most prominent predictors of summer employment status were holding a job during the spring semester and teacher expectations for employment. Recommendations for research and practice focus on increasing the capacity of schools, families, and communities to support the involvement of youth with severe disabilities in meaningful summer activities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-212
Number of pages19
JournalExceptional children
Volume76
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2010

Keywords

  • High School
  • career development
  • intellectual disabilities
  • school-to-work
  • self-determination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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