Building self-confidence and future career success through a pre-college transition program for individuals with disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rothman, Terri | Maldonado, José M. | Rothman, Harvey

Affiliations: Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Terri Rothman, Monmouth University, Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764, USA. Tel.: +1 732 571 7507; E-mail: trothman@monmouth.edu

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pre-college transition program for students with disabilities in upstate New York. Survey data indicated that participants who had attended between 1999 and 2006 were either currently enrolled in college or working full time. Participants valued information about self-advocacy and understanding their rights protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation, aspects also perceived as important for career success. Participants also valued the following: gaining a better understanding of their own disabilities and learning about others' disabilities. The greatest aspects of the program included the formation of new relationships and understanding the reality of college life. Implications for high school and college counselors are discussed.

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 73-83, 2008