Effective Secondary Services in Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Youth with disabilities who have at least one paid work experience during high school are more than twice as likely to be employed after high school. However, barriers exist that limit work opportunities for youth with disabilities and subsequent entry to work as part of their adult lives.

Objective: The study identified secondary education services that have been found to be scientifically valid and effective in improving transition to work of youth with disabilities.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted of secondary services provided to transition-age youth with disabilities associated with employment outcomes. The final full-text review consisted of 30 articles.

Findings: Findings describe five major themes related to secondary education services associated with employment. These themes are work experience, independence and autonomy, IEP and transition planning process, student characteristics, and medical restoration services.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that secondary education services are effective in improving the transition to work for transition-age youth with disabilities. Recommendations are made for educators, rehabilitation professionals, and school administrators to enhance the rates of youth with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment.