Rehabilitation Professionals' Participation Intensity and Expectations of Transition Roles

The findings of this study support the importance of further transition education and training for rehabilitation professionals. As many as a third of this study's participants reported sometimes and often not knowing what is expected of them by youth, parents, and educators. In addition, nearly a quarter of the participants reported not knowing what is expected of them during transition planning meetings. Further education specific to transition participation, collaboration, and expectations could assist in minimizing this confusion and maximize resources. While well over one-half of the study participants reported attending conferences and workshops to learn about transition; the far majority responded that their source of training was on-the-job. Therefore, it is possible that some of the transition practices being passed from one co-worker to another are based on misinformation leading to the insufficient and ineffective levels of participation and misguided expectations found in this study. Joint trainings for rehabilitation professionals and educators focused on transition are necessary. These training should include, among other information, how to: run effective planning meetings, support youth to run their own meetings, work with parents/guardians, and collaborate across systems and agencies and within communities. Additional implications for research and practice are presented.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Oertle, Kathleen Marie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Trach, John S.

• Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3399025

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/80129