Patterns of employment and independent living of adult graduates with learning disabilities and mental retardation of an inclusionary high school vocational program

Vocational/employment and independent living for individuals with disabilities has been a major area of interest for those interested in transition from school to work and adulthood. Recent statistics for such individuals continue to be poor and problematic. The present study investigated a group of adults with either specific learning disabilities or mild mental retardation who had graduated or exited an inclusionary high school which emphasized vocational technology training and independent living skills. The results indicated higher than the national average for employment and rate of pay as well as stronger than expected indicators of independent living in terms of mobility. The largest group of individuals, however, were still residing with their parents. Respondents with learning disabilities were doing better than their mentally retarded counterparts in terms of many of the indicators but individuals with mental retardation were still doing strongly when compared against figures reported in other studies. Results are discussed in terms of recommendations for generalization as well as the educational model used for these students.