Through thoughtful course design and the use of targeted strategies, postsecondary instructors can assist students with disabilities in attaining academic goals. When success within the classroom increases, more positive evaluations of instructors who support student achievement can result, and both graduation and retention rates can rise. This…

There is a process within the special education program that directly links a child's educational program with their plans for the future. It is called a Transition Plan and is part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability designed to be used within a…

In 2011, pepnet 2 launched the Deaf Learner Initiative (DLI). The goals of this initiative were to examine the existing paradigms, programs, pedagogy and relevant research related to the educational and vocational needs of deaf learners. The DLI was comprised of a variety of activities including the Deaf Learner Symposium, the creation of three…

Teacher education programs typically provide pre-service teachers preparation in assessment and identification procedures used to identify students with learning disabilities. What may be missing from teacher preparation is the development of communication skills to thoughtfully and professionally teach children about their disabilities. This…

For many individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attending and completing postsecondary education is a viable option. However, success in postsecondary education for these individuals may require more planning and ongoing support than students without an ASD. This article provides educators and transition support personnel with a range…

As more and more children are being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (AS), more parents are wondering what the future will be like for their child. Because of the challenges faced by youth with AS, it is important for parents and teachers to work together to guide high school students with AS through a successful transition to the adult world.…

Discussion of self-advocacy for postsecondary students with learning disabilities considers learning characteristics, self-advocacy as a critical transition skill, identification of intrinsic processing abilities, developing a self-advocacy plan, and the increasing need for postsecondary accommodations. Insets include a sample self-advocacy plan,…

The project, "Learning Disabilities--Community Advocacy, Support, Employment, Education" (LD-CASE), was initiated to expand the personal/social, educational, and employment options of individuals with learning disabilities. The project is designed to provide LD adults with experiences that will increase their self-advocacy skills, establish…

This article presents a handbook for students, school counselors, teachers, and parents. This handbook is designed as a guide to help students with disabilities take another step in preparing for "life after high school." It includes information to help students understand their strengths and identify the support and resources they need…

The third in a series of federally supported modules for training paraprofessional school personnel who work with students with disabilities, this module focuses on training self-advocacy skills, facilitating friendships, and developing socialization skills for individuals with disabilities. Both a facilitator's edition and a student's edition are…