ABSTRACT
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, the fundamental purpose of a free appropriate public education is to prepare youth with disabilities for “further education, employment, and independent living” (IDEA, 2004 Sec 601 (d) (1) (A)). Students with disabilities need comprehensive transition planning, structured instruction, individual supports, and community-based experiences to adequately prepare them to transition into adult roles in the community. Structured work experience is a critical component of these transition best practices and an effective tool for preparing youth for future employment options (Benz, Lindstrom, & Yovanoff, 2000; National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET), 2005; Test et al., 2009).
