Launching Into Adulthood: An Integrated Response to Support Transition of Youth with Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities

As adolescents with disabilities or chronic health conditions reach adulthood, they face complex challenges related to employment, education, housing, health care, and community participation. Coordinated, well-organized transition services could make all the difference—and this cutting-edge volume gives decision-makers a clear vision to work toward as they reform today's fragmented system.

Research scientist Donald Lollar gathers the best, most current thinking on transition from a multidisciplinary team of experts. Together, they make research-based recommendations that will streamline access to services, meet young people's individual needs, and improve long-term outcomes. Readers will discover which kinds of policy changes and program initiatives could help adolescents with a range of disabilities

maintain continuous, high-quality medical care and health insurance as they enter adulthood
prepare for every aspect of meaningful employment, from determining career goals to fulfilling job requirements
choose, secure, and keep an affordable and accessible home
build the skills they need to use local transportation options as independently as possible
participate fully in community activities, with the help of both formal and informal supports