Transition from secondary education to adulthood represents a period during which adolescents with disabilities face multiple responsibilities and changing roles that include establishing independence, attending postsecondary education or training, developing social networks, choosing a career, participating in their communities, and managing healthcare and financial affairs. Sponsored by the Division of Career Development and Transition (DCDT) of the Council of Exceptional Children, this handbook provides a comprehensive resource to the communities of educators, related service and agency personnel, families, caretakers, counselors, and other stakeholders who facilitate these complex transitions to adulthood for adolescents with disabilities. Comprehensive – This comprehensive volume includes coverage of historical foundations, policy, transition programming and planning, development of student skills, and program structure. It also recommends transition supports for students with specific disabilities. Organizing Taxonomy – The book is organized around a well recognized taxonomy for adolescent transition used by many states to design and reform their transition services. Expertise – The volume editors are past-presidents of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and are leaders in transition research and practice. Contributors are well-recognized for their expertise in transition. Chapter Structure – Each chapter includes a discussion of evidence-based research, recommended practices, suggestions for transition personnel and families, and additional resources. This book is appropriate for researchers and graduate-level instructors in special education and vocational education, inservice administrators and policy makers, and transition service providers.

Shows prospective or current middle school teachers how to work with students who have diverse learning needs, particularly students with disabilities.