A Second Look at the Lives of Participants in the Career Ladder Program

Abstract

Findings from an earlier follow-along study were extended by one more year of data on young adults graduating from a school-to-work transition program, the Career Ladder Program. Capsule histories and a compendium of job titles enriched the original data. Wages of the participants increased Although employment rates were above the national average, they declined during 1989–1990, and participants failed to increase their level of benefits. Job satisfaction of those working increased. This study also analyzed the behavior of service providers and investigated patterns in their delivery of a unique array of transition services. Intensity of service increased significantly during the fifth year, supporting the need for ongoing availability of services. A discussion of complicating factors in the lives of participants is offered. Implications for services shaped to the needs of youth with mild disabilities are explored and recommendations made.