Events: Conference Presentations

2001 American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)

Denver, CO June, 2001

Hickson, L. & Glinou, N.(2001). Perspectives on post-school outcomes for people with developmental disabilities.

This was a paper presentation at the annual conference of the American Association on Mental Retardation, Denver, CO.

We conducted a study to examine possible differences in the views regarding the process of transition and the currently available employment models among three groups of professionals who work directly with people with developmental disabilities. These groups were: 1. Transition teachers from a New York City Board of Education transition program. 2. Vocational counselors from the New York City District of the Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). 3. Human services professionals of an agency for adults with disabilities that offers day treatment, day habilitation, and supported employment programs. Findings indicate that professionals at different stages and types of the transition process differ in their views regarding the strategies, the goals and the outcomes of transition and employment. This study provides enough evidence to justify the need for further exploration of the issue. Finally, it appears that more communication among these groups of professionals may prove useful.