The Transition Lynchpin: The Voices of Individuals with Disabilities Who Attended a Community College Transition Program |
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| Authors: | Elizabeth Madson Ankeny Jean P Lehmann |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Special Education , St. Cloud State University , St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA ankeny@augsburg.edu;3. School of Education, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado, USA |
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| Abstract: | Nearly 60% of students with disabilities who attend postsecondary institutions attend community colleges. Individuals with disabilities paralleling their peers without disabilities need the postsecondary education opportunity to develop vocational skills, the time to mature, and the experience of living with others. A transition program, a K–12 and community college partnership, was developed to support students in this mission. A narrative inquiry methodology was utilized to understand the community college experience of students with disabilities in a transition program. Findings indicate that the program benefited the individuals. It did this by supporting completion of a vocational program leading to gainful employment and as a transition into adult roles and status. The program also provided opportunities that enhanced the individuals' self-esteem, and it facilitated the individuals becoming more independent and responsible. |
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