Implications of the Lessons Learned from a State Systems Change Initiative on Transition for Youth with Disabilities

Abstract

This article presents the major lessons learned from the State Systems Change Initiative on Transition for Youth with Disabilities. The article is based, in large part, upon the collection of articles presented in this special edition of the journal. The lessons learned provide insights and perspectives on the process of systems change based on the experiences of the transition systems change projects. The lessons described in this article include: (a) systems change initiatives must recognize and deal with the influences of varied political, economic, and social conditions; (b) systems change must be engaged as a dynamic and continuous process of improvement; (c) federal legislative mandates can be used as catalysts for systems change; (d) systems change efforts must include the active participation of those individuals most affected by changes in policies and practices; (e) systems change must include a comprehensive professional component; (f) evaluations of systems change must address state and local goals; and (g) systems change must be approached as a longterm proposition and policy goal.