This article examined the implementation of an occupational skills training partnership developed between the Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and four local community colleges. Case study methods were used to describe the pattern of services provided to rehabilitation consumers and document the resulting changes in the community college and rehabilitation systems. Data were collected through individual and group interviews, document review, and written surveys. All consumers served in the case study sites received (a) orientation to the community college; (b) career exploration and planning; (c) individualized curriculum and customized training plans; (d) access to additional college services; (e) ongoing progress monitoring, support, and advocacy; and (f) exit planning and job placement services. Partnership services resulted in improved access to the community college and increased the ability of consumers with disabilities to successfully navigate the community college system.
Benz, M., Lindstrom, L., & Latta, T. (1999). Improving collaboration between schools and vocational rehabilitation: The Youth Transition Program model. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 13, 55-63.
2.
Brantlinger, E., Jimenez, R., Klinger, J., Pugach, M., & Richardson, V. (2005). Qualitative studies in special education. Exceptional Children, 71, 195-207.
3.
Carnevale, A.P. (2007). Access to opportunity. Education Week, 26(40), 34.
4.
Flannery, K.B., Lindstrom, L., & Toricellis, M.(in press). High school and community college partnerships with vocational rehabilitation. In H. B. Clark & D. K. Unruh (Eds.), Transition of young people with emotional or behavioral difficulties: An evidence-based handbook (pp. 107-132). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
5.
Flannery, K.B., Slovic, R., Benz, M.R., & Levine, E. (2007). Priorities and changing practices: Vocational rehabilitation and community colleges improving workforce development programs for people with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation , 27, 141-151.
6.
Flannery, K.B., Slovic, R., Treasure, T., Ackley, D., & Lucas, F. (2002). Collaboration and partnership to improve employment outcomes. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 17, 207-215.
7.
Flannery, K.B., Yovanoff, P., Benz, M.R., & McGrath-Kato, M. (2008). Improving employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities through short-term training. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 31, 56-64.
8.
Gilmore, D., Schuster, J., Zafft, C., & Hart, D. (2001). Postsecondary education services and employment outcomes within the vocational rehabilitation system. Disability Studies Quarterly, 21(1). Retrieved January 3, 2008, from http://www.dsq-sds-archives.org/2001_winter_toc.html
9.
Grubb, W.N. (2001). From isolation to integration: Postsecondary vocational education and emerging systems of workforce development. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2001(115), 27-37.
10.
Hanley-Maxwell, C., Al Hano, I., & Skivington, M. (2007). Qualitative research in rehabilitation counseling. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin , 50, 99-110.
11.
Miles, M., & Huberman, M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage .
12.
National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition. (2005). National standards and quality indicators: Transition toolkit for systems improvement. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition .
13.
National Council on Disability. (2000). Transition and post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities: Closing the gaps to post-secondary education and employment. Washington, DC: Author.
14.
National Council on Disability. (2003). People with disabilities and postsecondary education. Washington, DC: Author.
15.
Northwest Policy Center. (2001). Northwest job gap study: Searching for work the pays. Seattle, WA: Author.
16.
Olszewski, B., Macey, D., & Lindstrom, L. (2007). The practical work of coding: An ethno methodological inquiry. Human Studies, 29, 363-380.
17.
Patton, M. (2002). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (3rd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
18.
Rosenfeld, S., & Liston, C. (2002). An international dialog on community colleges in a changing world. Baltimore: Annie Casey Foundation. Retrieved October 25, 2006, from http://www.rtsinc.org/publications/Caseyfinal.pdf
19.
Smith, J.O. (1992). Falling through the cracks: Rehabilitation services for adults with learning disabilities. Exceptional Children , 58, 451-460.
20.
Stake, R. (2005). Qualitative case studies. In N. Denzin & Y. Lincoln (Eds.), The sage handbook of qualitative research (3rd ed., pp. 443-466). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
21.
Stodden, R.A., & Conway, M.A. (2002). Supporting youth with disabilities to access and succeed in post-secondary education: Essentials for educators in secondary schools. National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Issue Brief, 1(5). Retrieved November 15, 2005, from http://www.ncset.hawaii.edu/publications/
22.
Wagner, M., Newman, L., Cameto, R., & Levine, P. (2005). Changes over time in the early post school outcomes of youth with disabilities. A report of findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS) and the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) . Menlo Park, CA: SRI International .
23.
Yin, R. (1993). Applications of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
24.
Yin, R. (2003). Case study research: Design and methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
