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Abstract

Historically based systemic oppressions have exacerbated disparities in post-school outcomes among youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood. Using a community action research (CAR) approach, the Disability Champions Mentoring Network was founded in the United States by a community of diverse stakeholders to address inequities in transition outcomes. Centering transition as a cultural practice, the project connected theoretical frameworks to develop a supportive community through interagency collaboration and mentorship. We conducted a self-examination using deductive category application and an open coding process to identify major themes in the project development process. The themes identified by collaborators include self-determination/mentorship; authentic interagency collaborative processes; identification of needs, barriers, and resources; and promotion of public awareness. Project achievements and barriers recognized by the community network are discussed in the context of the CAR model. Implications for policy, programming, and research are considered.

Keywords

transition area diversity and cultural issues qualitative research methodology communities collaborations self-determination transition assessment or planning

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Collaborative Action Research with Diverse Stakeholders: Building the Disability Champions Mentoring Network

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