The use of evidence-based practices has become a focus in education since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act reauthorization of 2004 required using practices based on scientific research to improve student outcomes. Although many teachers may not have the time or expertise to evaluate the research base for these practices, the prevalence of Internet resources has increased their access to such information. However, web sites differ in type and quality of information provided. The purpose of this study was to examine the trustworthiness of web sites claiming to disseminate evidence-based practices in the area of special education or related services. Of the 47 web sites identified, approximately 57% met the criteria for trust or trust with caution, and 43% were labeled do not trust. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
In response to legislative mandates that schools use evidence-based instructional practices, the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center has identified evidence-based practices and predictors in the area of secondary transition for high school students with disabilities. This article provides an overview of practices and predictors, as well as providing examples of how school administrators can use the practices and predictors to help guide staff development and school policy.It has been well documented that youth with disabilities consistently experience poor post-school outcomes compared with their peers without disabilities. The National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 found youth with disabilities lag behind their peers in all post-school outcome areas including postsecondary education, independent living, and employment (Newman et al., 2011). Specifically, recent disability employment statistics indicate only 18% of individuals with disabilities participated in the labor
The importance of supporting families with members who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is well-established in both policy and research. Yet little is known about how familiar parents are with existing resources (e.g., programs, supports, trainings), what information they would consider most helpful, and how they would prefer to access resources. Our study examined the resource needs of 1,738 parents of children and adults with IDD in the state of Tennessee. Most parents reported limited familiarity with programs across every domain (e.g., residential, vocational, postsecondary). The extent to which parents indicated various types of information would be helpful varied by demographic factors (e.g., daughter or son's age, disability diagnosis, socioeconomic status), as did the avenues through which they indicated they were most likely to access information and resources. We offer recommendations aimed at equipping parents with relevant supports and resources to guide their son or daughter's journey across the lifespan.
Although "community conversations" are a promising approach to address employment outcomes for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), little research has addressed how these events are tailored to address the unique needs, assets, and resources of communities. Through in-depth interviews, organizers from seven diverse communities addressed their motivations for involvement, their pathways of personalization, and the factors contributing to the success of the events. Collectively, attendees generated more than 2,000 strategies to expand integrated employment locally, falling across six primary areas. Attendees considered these events to be a good investment of their time; however, they reported that additional action, education, and partnerships were needed in their communities. Following the events, attendees reported taking a variety of follow-up actions including sharing information, developing new relationships, talking with neighbors, and educating employers. We offer implications for policy, practice, and research aimed at expanding integrated employment for young people with disabilities.
Amid rapid growth in the higher education movement, access to inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID) remains limited. This study used "community conversations" to explore how stakeholders in three communities envisioned the inclusion of students with ID on their local college campus and the supports needed to launch new postsecondary programs. Conceptualizations of inclusion extended beyond the experiences students might have and addressed skill development, training and supports, campus and community attitudes, and potential partnerships. Stakeholders identified a constellation of people and resources needed to support successful college experiences. We offer recommendations aimed at spurring inclusive higher education experiences and highlight community conversations as a promising approach for informing the initial movements of local planning teams.
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