Examining outcomes associated with adult life engagement for young adults with high incidence disabilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines adult outcomes of young adults with high incidence disabilities. We examined variables across 5 postschool outcome constructs: (a) gainful employment, (b) community living and participation, (c) ongoing and advanced education, (d) social connections and positive relationships, and (f) health and well-being. OBJECTIVE: We compare specific outcomes among three disability groups often described as having high incidence disabilities: learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. METHODS: Descriptive statistics were calculated using procedures that accounted for the weighted and stratified design of the NLTS2 including the calculation of appropriate estimated standard errors. Therefore, these results are representative of the national population of youth in the high incidence disability groups identified RESULTS: Results across all major life domains indicated that students from these three groups were more similar in achievement of adult life outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Implications of these results include the extension of previous postschool outcomes research beyond employment and postsecondary education to develop a comprehensive view of adult life engagement. In addition, future research regarding the influence of similar school transition experiences can be anticipated, given the similarity of outcomes.