A follow-up study of the vocational adjustment of graduates of special education programs in the greater Boston area of Massachusetts

The purpose of this study was to investigate the postschool vocational adjustment of young adults with disabilities who recently graduated from high schools in the greater Boston area. Research questions were developed within seven areas, including: (a) demographic information; (b) employment outcome; (c) reasons for unemployment; (d) job satisfaction; (e) types of vocational training program the students participated during high school and satisfaction with the program; (f) relationship between the types of disabilities and employment outcome; and (g) a relationship between vocational training during high school and employment outcome.;To address these questions, an interview was conducted with 52 individuals with disabilities and/or their parents. Special education students who were categorized as either mildly or moderately disabled and had left high school from 1985 to 1989 via a diploma, certificate, or maximum age participated in this study.;The results of this study showed: (a) that the special education/vocational programs are producing employable students. Seventy one percent of the students in this study were employed full or part time; (b) that many individuals with mild and moderate disabilities have the ability to work competitively if given the opportunity; (c) that the respondents were most likely to be employed in service, unskilled, or semi-skilled occupations. It appeared that the respondents with more severe moderate disabilities had more limited occupational options such as sheltered workshop or service occupations; (d) that most of cases, student participation in vocational education was limited to school setting as opposed to the community; (e) that parents and students with disabilities were often unfamiliar with existing agencies and with a range of community job opportunities; (f) that in addition to specific job skill training, social/interpersonal training, training in job seeking/interviewing skills, maintaining good work habits, management of money, and transportation were in need for the students with mild and moderate disabilities for successful vocational adjustment after high school.;The implications of this study for researchers, educators and vocational professionals are discussed. Recommendations for research, training and services are reported.