Affiliations: 175 College of Education, University of Oregon,
Eugene, OR, USA | Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Division, Salem, OR,
USA
Note: [] 175 College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
97403, USA. Tel.: +1 541 346 1408; Fax: +1 541 346 1411; E-mail:
mbenz@oregon.uoregon. edu. Lauren Lindstrom, 175 College of Education,
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA. Tel.: +1 541 346 1399; Fax: +1 541
346 1411; E-mail: lindstrm@oregon.uoregon.edu
Note: [] Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Division, 500 Summer Street NE,
Salem, OR 97310-1018, USA. Tel.: +1 503 945 6262; Fax: +1 503 945 8791; E-mail:
timothy.latta@state.or.us
Abstract: Helping youth with disabilities successfully negotiate the
transition from school to work and community life requires innovative,
effective, and enduring partnerships among a variety of key stakeholders. The
vocational rehabilitation system is identified consistently as a fundamental
partner in any collaborative transition effort because of its ability to help
youth develop vocational skills, obtain employment, and advance the opportunity
to live independently. Systematic efforts must be undertaken to address the
barriers that historically have prevented school and VR staff from working
together effectively on behalf of youth with disabilities and their families.
The Youth Transition Program is a nationally recognized school to work
transition model that has been operated collaboratively by schools and
vocational rehabilitation agencies in communities throughout Oregon for the
past nine years. The authors provide an overview of the pattern of services
provided to youth in the program. Employment outcomes achieved by youth are
also provided.
Keywords: transition services, school-to-work, youth in transition, school and rehabilitation collaboration
