Lifespan Transitions And Disability

Lifespan Transitions and Disability: A Holistic Perspective brings a refreshing perspective to preparing students with disabilities and their families for all aspects of independent life.

This book brings a refreshing perspective to preparing students with disabilities and their families for all aspects of independent life. Many of the transitions experienced by younger children set the stage for future changes, yet do not receive the attention they deserve in the literature. This publication offers a strengths-based approach that includes philosophical perspectives and evidence-based practices to assist this vulnerable population with lifespan changes and challenges. Each chapter addresses transitional needs and their assessment, and relevant interventions from the perspectives of an application to schools, families and communities. Multicultural perspectives are integral to all these chapters. The book covers transition from: - home to early childhood education - early childhood education to primary school - primary school to secondary school - primary school to special settings - juvenile justice settings back into the community - school to work - school to further education or training - post-school settings to retirement. Lifespan Transitions and Disability: A holistic perspective is a necessary companion for postgraduate education students and researchers who have an interest in exploring the nature and context of special and inclusive education today.

The SAGE Reference Series on Disability is a cross-disciplinary and issues-based series incorporating links from varied fields that make up Disability Studies. This volume tackles issues relating to disability through the life course.

Over the past 30 years, attitudes toward people with disabilities have changed dramatically, moving from deinstitutionalization in the 1960s to the Disability Rights Movement of the 1970s and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The results of this shift have been to move more and more people with disabilities into mainstream activities in their communities. Social workers and other health and mental health professionals are now encountering people with a wide range of disabilities at various stages of their lives. It is important to be prepared. Understanding Disability details expected developmental stages for those without disabilities as well as the impact of disability at each of these periods. This is a much needed reference for working with a person with a disability, or with a family member or other interested party. Beginning with infancy and the diagnosis of congenital or early onset disabilities, the book identifies traditional developmental life stages and then provides specific information for four different disabilities: Down syndrome, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. In addition, spinal cord injury is added at the young adult stage of some adapted expectations. In keeping with a social work emphasis on strengths, the book is based on a social, rather than medical, model of disability. The information in this book allows the social worker to create treatment plans, coordinate with other professionals, and competently assist the person with the disability and his/her family. Filling the void in literature on disabilities since the Disabilities Act of 1990, Understanding Disability will be a most valuable resource for social workers, counselors, and nurses.

A Collaborative Approach to Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities is designed to inform aspiring special education teachers, special education teams, transition planning specialists and school administrators about the complex process of transition planning and to meet the transition requirements of special education legislation. Author Dr. JoAnn Rae has been in the field of special education for 34 years, in service as a special education teacher, special education administrator, teacher certification supervisor and as college faculty. The framework she outlines is specially designed to advance students’ involvement and participation in their lives, not only in the presence of the most severe sensory and intellectual disabilities, but also in the case of multiple disabilities. Unique scenarios not typically seen in other textbooks, such as IEP team disagreements, students with terminal illnesses, students with ill or overworked parents or students living in poverty are also explored. The text also includes: Descriptions of research-based practices to maximize students’ self-determination, autonomy, goal setting and ability to have successful life experiences Opportunities to integrate knowledge with practice by providing strategies that relate to the real-life difficulties students and transition planning specialists may encounter Easy-to-replicate communication tools, such as letters to students and parents, as examples to enhance collaboration Methods for teachers to effectively promote and increase student involvement and collaboration by using structured and interactive interviews A Collaborative Approach to Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities reflects the universal challenges that teachers, families and finally, the students themselves face, as they progress through school with a disability. For students with disabilities, the key component to successful transition planning is creating a collaborative atmosphere that allows them to be successful. This book promises to serve as an essential resource to all who are dedicated to that goal.

International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 54 shares the latest research on the interactions between families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and service delivery systems. Chapters discuss Strengthening service access for children of color with autism spectrum disorders, Assessing the service impact of early intervention on young children with IDD and their families, Family-professional partnership with refugee families whose children have disabilities, Post high school transition for individuals with Down syndrome, Supporting families and school professionals to be engaged partners in the transition to adulthood for young adults with disabilities, amongst other timely topics. Provides the most recent scholarly research in the study of developmental disabilities Contains a vast range of perspectives, with many topics covered Presents an excellent resource for academic researchers

Providing a focus on meaningful involvement and participation in communities and activities of choice, that secure benefits for all, the chapter authors examine both innovative evidence-based practices that facilitate transition, and potential barriers, supplemented by informative case studies.

One claim made for the policy of care in the community was that it would rescue people with intellectual disabilities from social marginality. To what extent has this promise been fulfilled and their lives transformed? David May presents the lives of people from this group as a series of transitions and offers us a view of the world that is as complex and changeable as any other. Each section covers a different aspect of choice, opportunity and transition on the lifepath, for example, * moving from home to school * leaving school * employment * living independently and * growing old The contributors have extensive research experience in the field of intellectual disabilities and provide a comprehensive review of this research, drawing out the implications for policy and practice. This book will be an invaluable resource for professionals and carers working with those with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families.