First-year college retention rates are dropping at alarming rates, resulting in individual, institutional and global detriments. The decline is largely due to the inability of students to socially and emotionally navigate the transition into college life. This qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews sought to identify themes that…

The overall goal of the Building State Capacity Summit series was to enhance successful outcomes for students leaving high school, whether it is matriculation in a postsecondary education or training program, or employment. Young adults who are deaf or hard or hearing face barriers that inhibit these successful outcomes. One way to mitigate these…

Transitioning in to adult-hood as a special needs youth can be a challenging experience for both disabled youth and their families. IDEA 2004 legislation mandates all special needs individuals receive skill development in the areas of self-determination, self-advocacy, employment, adult service agency access and independent living. School…

The Gates Chili Central School District (Rochester, NY) special education program has made a commitment to teach self-advocacy skills to its students with learning disabilities. The middle school program focuses on awareness of one's disability and test modifications, and the high school program concentrates on adult independence skills. (JDD)