Author(s): Deborah Stern

Institutional affiliation/Agency/Program: De Anza College

Publication date or date of most recent update: 2002

Number of pages: 1 page web document

Website URL: http://www.ldonline.org/article/6129

Key words: Learning disabilities, School to work transition, Jobs, Job interviews, Access to education

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: This article presents information to assist students with LD, counselors and employers to build the bridge between community college and work. Students must learn to articulate how their LD impacts them in a variety of situations, especially those requiring learning and performing work related tasks. Preparing for job interviews, anticipating barriers throughout the employment process, and developing ways to mitigate these barriers are essential skills that must be learned.

What the experts say:Stern provides some well-written, succinct and explicit guidelines for helping adults to successfully transition from college to work.

Some of the most significant aspects of the article include an explanation of how students can learn to articulate the functional impact of their learning disabilities, explain how their limitations might impact their transition to work, brainstorm possible accommodations, and evaluate the potential impact of disclosure vs. non-disclosure of their disability in the workplace. Another useful feature is the promotion of self-determination and active participation in the transition process as is recommended in practice.

The questioning techniques used in the article provide strong examples that interviewers, counselors, parents and instructors can apply. Overall, the article offers adult educators practical information that can immediately be put into practice.