Author(s): Technology Transfer Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center

Institutional affiliation/Agency/Program: University at Buffalo

Publication date or date of most recent update: 2006

Number of pages: 1 page web document

Website URL: http://www.ldonline.org/article/12609

Key words: Learning disabilities, Access to education, Accommodations (For disabilities), Jobs

Target population: Learners, Instructors, Parents, Counselors, Employers

Skill levels of instructional materials (lessons, curricula):

ABE Intermediate High (NRS Educational Functioning Level 4)
ASE Low (NRS Educational Functioning Level 5)
ASE High (NRS Educational Functioning Level 6)

Abstract: In this article, the authors provide guidelines and summarize research on the challenges faced by adults with LD when transitioning to post-secondary schooling and employment. It also highlights issues around disclosure of learning disabilities and requesting appropriate accommodations for a course of study in college or to perform essential functions on the job.

What the experts say: This article covers the major points that a person with a learning disability may face when transitioning from high school to postsecondary activities - be it college/university, career/technical or employment. Although the primary focus is about the need to know one's self in an effort to understand when to ask for accommodations or when to disclose a disability, the role of practitioners to help educate learners about their options and issues they may face in dealing with transitions are also evident.

Some useful features of the article include:

• An emphasis on the need for more K-12 education regarding transition for students with learning disabilities.
• Guidelines for people with learning disabilities to follow when transitioning from K-12 to college, technical training, or to the workplace.
• A number of descriptive studies that support the need for transition education for people with learning disabilities.
• Statistics relevant to the success of people with learning disabilities in college, technical training, or the workplace.
• Links to legal and other documents that may assist people with learning disabilities as they transition to college, technical training, or the workplace.
• An emphasis on the need for technology training - especially assistive technology - for people with learning disabilities who are entering college, technical training, or the workplace.