Affiliations: Occupational Therapy Program, Department of
Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Susan M. Nochajski, University at Buffalo,
Department of Rehabilitation Science, Occupational Therapy Program, 3435 Main
Street, 501 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. Tel.: +1 716 829 6942; Fax:
+1 716 829 3217; E-mail: nochajsk@buffalo.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The successful transition of students from high
school to adult occupations, including work and independent living, has been a
major focus of the educational reform movement in the United States. However,
despite good intentions, students with disabilities have less favorable
transition outcomes than do students in the general population and employment
opportunities are even less promising for students with emotional/behavioral
disorders (EBD). Objective: The purpose of this model demonstration project,
funded by the US Department of Education, was to develop a program based on
identified best practices to facilitate successful school to work transition
for students with EBD. PARTICIPANTS: 47 students with EBD between the
ages of 14 and 19 were participants in this project. The majority of
participants in the project were white males with a generic diagnosis of a
disruptive personality disorder. METHODS: Five cohort groups of students
participated in a four phase program; Phase 1 – School-based Learning, Phase 2
– Community Involvement, Phase 3 – Paid, Supported Work Experience, and Phase
4 – Competitive Employment and Follow-Up. RESULTS: At the conclusion of the project, 30% of the project participants were competitively employed.
Students had the most difficulty in Phase 3, but 81% of those who
successfully completed Phase 3 obtained and retained competitive employment for
a least one year. Four case studies are presented to illustrate findings. CONCLUSIONS: The School to Work Transition Program model shows promise for
providing interventions to promote successful transition for students with EBD.
Further research on the effectiveness of the overall model, as well as specific
components of the model, is needed.
Keywords: Employment, post-secondary outcomes, students with disabilities, occupation
