Predictors of successful transition from school to employment for youth with disabilities

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J75656

Journal:

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2015 , 25, 2, 323-334

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined data from the second National Longitudinal Transition Study to identify variables associated with post-high school competitive employment, and to develop a logistic regression model for predicting successful employment outcomes. Data were analyzed for 2,900 special education students who exited high school in the 2002-2003 school year. The primary outcome variable of interest was any competitive employment during the 6-year study period. Competitive employment was defined as any paid job where the youth was making at least minimum wage and employed in a setting where the most of the employees did not have disabilities. A number of predictors of competitive employment were confirmed, including high school employment experiences, parental expectations of post-high school employment, arrest record, and school type. The strongest predictors were high school employment experiences and parental expectations of a post-high school employment. The findings highlight two aspects of the transition process that are critical for success: (1) employment training and work experiences in high school and (2) high parental expectations for their child’s future.

Author(s):

Wehman, Paul, Sima, Adam P., Ketchum, Jessica, West, Michael D., Chan, Fong, Luecking, Richard