Affiliations: Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal | Department of Exceptional Education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lúcia Canha, Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, 1495-688 Lisbon, Portugal. Tel.: +351 919 987 792; E-mail: lucia.canha@gmail.com
Abstract: Transition from school to work is a key topic of current social research and public policy in both the United States and Europe. Legislation in the U.S. has proven effective in providing a framework for transitioning youth with disabilities from school to work. In 2008, Portugal passed legislation for transition planning focused on specific curriculum for students who cannot access the typical curriculum. This paper will compare and contrast the two pieces of legislation and the process for transition of youth with disabilities into integrated employment from the perspectives of parents. Specifically, the authors conducted focus groups of parents from each country to identify post-school and in-school opportunities and supports and resources needed to ensure successful transition from school to integrated employment for youth with disabilities.
Keywords: Transition, social research, public policy, integrated employment, youth with disabilities, Portugal, United States
