Improving Outcomes of Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities: A Life Course Perspective

Abstract

This article synthesizes policy and intervention options for youth with disabilities based on recent reports from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. To frame findings from both reports, we utilize a life course approach. This approach is important as youth’s needs for supports change as they age, particularly as they prepare to transition from school to the adult world. Our summary highlights potential challenges and then describes promising education and employment interventions. An important theme is the importance of cross-agency collaboration. There is a particular need for a more cohesive, long-term strategy to address gaps in fragmented services to develop the necessary evidence to enhance the long-term outcomes.