Service Integration and School to Work Transition: Customized Employment as an Outcome for Youth with Significant Disabilities

Abstract

This article presents a model of transition service delivery that is designed to produce seamless transition from school to work for youth considered to have significant disability, be candidates for supported employment services, and require considerable job customization in order to maintain successful employment. This model, the Transition Service Integration Model, integrates resources to enable youth to obtain employment prior to school exit, maintain that employment upon school exit, and continue to receive employment support from a community rehabilitation agency that collaborated with school system personnel prior to school exit. This article illustrates the potential of pairing this service integration model with customized employment strategies so that youth with significant disabilities achieve successful employment outcomes.