The efficacy of special education is often measured by employment, independent living and social outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to synthesize articles concerning outcomes of young adults who have transitioned from secondary school to adult life in rural areas. Articles on transition of young adults with disabilities in rural areas published in numerous refereed journals between 1990 and 1998 were reviewed to determine the rates of employment and independent living. Additional variables included demographics, job types, wages, and benefits. Results indicated that few empirical studies examined special education outcomes for young adults living in rural areas. Studies that did examine employment outcomes indicated that, overall, fewer than 70% of young adults with disabilities in the studies' samples were employed. However, employment outcomes seem to have improved from 1990 to 1997. The synthesis also indicated that, overall, fewer than 40% of young adults with disabilities in rural areas live independently. More research on additional outcomes of employment, independence, and social well-being is called for as well as research on effective transition programs and processes in rural areas.
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