Affiliations: The Urban Institute, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: David C. Wittenburg, Senior Research
Associate, The Urban Institute, 2100 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Tel.: +1 202 261 5352; E-mail: Dwittenb@ui.urban.org
Abstract: This paper summarizes the recent empirical literature on
post-secondary school outcomes of youth with disabilities. Our summary
illustrates the variation in characteristics and outcomes that exist in several
subpopulations generally defined as youth with disabilities. Unfortunately, a
major limitation of this literature, particularly for special education
students and SSI recipients, is a lack of information on recent outcomes.
Specifically, there were no major data collection efforts, at least at the
national level, to track these populations in the mid to late nineties. While
upcoming data sources, such as the National Longitudinal Transition Survey2
(NLTS2) and National Survey of Children and Families (NSCF), should fill major
gaps in existing knowledge, other data initiatives are necessary to ensure that
policy makers continuously have current information. We suggest several types
of survey and administrative data initiatives, as well as new research projects
using current data, to address current gaps.
Keywords: special education, transitions, youth with disabilities, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
