International Social Science Journal (Chinese Edition)

No.1, 2024

Improving the Transition Outcomes of Low-Income Minority Youth with Disabilities

(Abstract)

Fabricio E. Balcazar, et al.

This study describes the results of a program developed to improve the transition outcomes of low-income minority youth with disabilities. The program relies on case management support to facilitate interagency collaboration. Results indicate that 82% of the intervention participants enrolled in postsecondary education programs compared to only 50% in the comparison group. In addition, 74% of the intervention youth secured employment compared to 23% in the comparison group. Case managers provided 10 main support functions in three areas: job, college, and family/community. Critical functions included assistance with goal setting, transportation, job/college applications, referrals, emotional support, and family mediation. We discuss the implications of the intervention for transition research and practice with minority youth with disabilities.