Use of Research-Based Transition Recommendations for Youth With Disabilities in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Plans

Abstract

As vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies continue to implement provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to provide employment-related transition services to youth with disabilities, it is unclear if implementation plans include predictors of post-school employment and evidence-based transition practices. We conducted a content analysis of 54 state/territory VR agency WIOA plans from 2020 to determine the extent to which research-based transition recommendations (RBTRs) were included. Our findings indicate that there was substantial variability in the number of RBTRs present within plans but that most plans (n = 46) included between 50% and 70% of RBTRs. Career awareness, interagency collaboration, and general work experience activities were most frequently represented. Of note, student involvement in transition planning, technology skills instruction, and career technical education did not appear as frequently in plans. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.