New practices: Promoting the role of ICT in the shared space of transition

Abstract

Making the transition from class to class, primary to secondary education, high school to college, two-year to four-year college, college to graduate school, and from higher education to employment can be challenging for all students, but is particularly challenging for students with disabilities who face additional challenges such as accessing physical environments, technology, learning and employment procedures and services. Not adequately addressing these issues can lead to slower academic progress, poorer academic attainment and problems securing employment. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) may have the potential to improve the situation and also to introduce further risks of exclusion. This chapter considers elements for effective transitions for disabled students by examining examples from Canada, Germany, Israel and USA and the particular role of ICT in transitions.