Advances and gaps in policy, practice, and research in transition for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across four countries

Abstract

The difficulties faced by youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and their families as they move into adulthood are widely documented. The aim of the paper is to explore the current situation in terms of transition processes and outcomes in four countries (the US, UK, Australia and Czech Republic) and identify commonalities and differences that help elucidate what might determine different outcomes. Two research methods—expert knowledge and rapid literature review—were combined to identify sources from which information on transition policy, processes, support practices and outcomes was extracted and synthesised. This review identified gaps in the research evidence including inadequate collection and use of data to drive policy and determine effectiveness, limited evidence-based models or frameworks for successful transition. There was little transition research that included the voices of young people with IDD. More research is necessary to study the practices of highly successful programmes, and to explore the impact of transition programmes and disability support services on a broader range of outcomes, capturing the experiences of young people themselves and identifying factors that determine successful outcomes.