3.9 Capacity Building (Zhang)
Project Description:
Over the past several decades, research has repeatedly shown that transition services are
essential for students with disabilities to make a successful transition from school to adulthood.
Gaining meaningful employment is one of the core elements accounted for better quality of life
as an adult. In order to prepare students with disabilities for this transition from being a
student to being an independent adult, transition services need to start as early as possible.
Starting transition services early is necessary because (a) it takes more time for these students
to learn some essential employability and other pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS)
skills and transfer these skills to real life situations; (b) many students dropout of school before
age 14 due to the lack of interest in learning that is not well connected to work; and (c) there is
simply not enough time for many students with disabilities to master and practice pre-ETS skills
when services start later. Therefore, it is imperative to start offering pre-ETS transition services
to these students as early as age 14.
Activities throughout the fiscal year included:
Will host 6 Focus Group Sessions between April 2022 and December 2022
Will host 6 regional conferences and one Statewide Conference between January 2023 and December 2023
Will host 6 regional conferences and one Statewide Conference between January 2024 and December 2024
Keyword(s):
capacity building; technical assistance; transition; Employment
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Employment-Related Activities, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
Yes
