Postsecondary Experiences of Young Adults with Severe Physical Disabilities

Abstract

A need exists for follow-up information to determine how well the educational system is meeting the needs of young adults with severe physical disabilities. This study of the postsecondary experiences of 106 graduates of a special school for youth with severe physical disabilities examined the educational, employment, and community adjustment outcomes of these students. Findings suggest that young adults with physical disabilities should cultivate personal and family networks, continue their education, and use vocational rehabilitation agencies. Access to transportation was also found to be a key element in achieving employment and independence.

Mobility Experiences of Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

“…The participants' experiences with public transportation correspond to what has previously been reported (Gordon, 1992;Lepage, Noreau, & Bernard, 1998;Liebert, Lutsky, & Gottlieb, 1990;Mactavish & Schleien, 2004) and indicate that the lack of accessible and reliable transportation is an obstacle to participation. Instruction in independent living skills, accessible and reliable transportation, and independence in mobility outside the home were identified as important factors for successful employment of young adults with disabilities (Gordon, 1992;Liebert et al, 1990).…”

“…Instruction in independent living skills, accessible and reliable transportation, and independence in mobility outside the home were identified as important factors for successful employment of young adults with disabilities (Gordon, 1992;Liebert et al, 1990). Mactavish and Schleien (2004) identified issues related to inclusion, access to information, disability awareness, program cost, and transportation as factors affecting participation of youth in recreation.…”

Identifying Nonacademic Behaviors Associated With Post-School Employment and Education

“…Gerber et al, 1992Lindstrom et al, 2011Skinner, 2004 Qualitative Ethnography Qualitative Case Study Qualitative Student uses the Internet to access information for possible support services or community agencies. Gerber et al, 1992Goldberg et al, 2003Liebert et al, 1990Thoma & Getzel, 2005 Qualitative Ethnography Qualitative Ethnography Discriminate Regression Qualitative Student seeks assistance from community agencies. Gerber et al, 1992Goldberg et al, 2003Liebert et al, 1990Thoma & Getzel, 2005 Qualitative Ethnography Qualitative Ethnography Discriminate Regression Qualitative Note.…”

Étude descriptive sur l'intégration au travail de jeunes adultes présentant une infirmité motrice cérébrale

“…Le taux de réponse à cette étude est faible (38,3%) comparativement à d'autres études (DeLoach, 1992;Liebert et al, 1990;Senft et al, 1990) qui ont obtenu des taux de 56% à 90%. Il faut cependant considérer que la population de cette étude est différente, car le type de déficience est spécifique et certains sujets ont quitté le C.C.V.…”

“…Sillanpää et ses collègues (Sillanpää, Piekkala & Pisirici, 1982) et Taler (1986 rapportent que l'intégration au travail est plus facile pour les individus plus jeunes. Par contre, d'autres chercheurs (Liebert, Lutsky & Gottlieb, 1990) constatent que les personnes qui travaillent sont en général plus âgées que celles qui sont sans emploi. Des résultats différents sont aussi rapportés pour le sexe.…”