Developmental Disabilities

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the challenges experienced by individuals who have developmental disabilities necessitate accessibility to transition practices and services. It looks at how these services aid individuals through the fostering of skills and provision of support, which may improve the likelihood that developmental disabilities will not hold individuals back from living up to potential and achieving goals. It contends that providing the skills, resources and support to ensure successful transition to adult life for students with developmental disabilities should be a priority for educators, clinicians and parents. The process should be approached from a longitudinal perspective, beginning in elementary school and extending through high school, into working life, and should continually be monitored and attended to throughout adult life.

From the Paper:

"It is important to evaluate what types of educational and transitional experiences are most conducive to optimal functioning by individuals with developmental disabilities in integrated, post-school settings (Neubert, Moon, Grigal, 2002). Key features of successful transition practices have been identified, such as age-appropriate social interactions with same-age peers, attending classes and social functions on college campuses, working in the community, as well as participation in community-based instruction during the last few years of school (Neubert et al., 2002). Research has indicated a specific need for specialized transition services for individuals with developmental disorders who are between the ages of 18 and 21, which must include choices in regards to education, career, and support services (Neubert et al., 2002). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bedini, L.A. (1993). Transition and integration in leisure for people with disabilities. Parks & Recreation, 28(11), 20-4.
• Brodsky, M. (1990). Employment programs for disabled youth: an international view - foreign labor development. Monthly Labor Review, 113, 50-3.
• DeRoma, V.M., Bell, N.L., Zaremba, B.A., Albee, J.C. (2005). Evaluation of a college transition program for students at-risk for academic failure. Research & Teaching in Developmental Education, 21(2), 20-34.
• Durodoye, B.A., Combes, B.H., Bryant, R.M. (2004). Counselor intervention in the post-secondary planning of African American students with learning disabilities. Professional School Counseling, 7, 133-40.
• Hamm, B. & Mirenda, P. (2006). Post-school quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities who use AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 22(2), 134-47.

More papers on Developmental Disabilities:

• Essay # 64710 : "Developmental Disabilities"
• Narrative Essay # 122382 : "Adults with Developmental Disabilities"
• Research Paper # 62421 : "Inappropriate Behavior of Children with Developmental Disabilities"

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