Effects of an Intervention Program on Parents of Young Adults with Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a 9-hour information and support program ("What's Next") on the attitudes of parents whose children (age 16-24 years) with disabilities were in the transitioning period from school to adult life. Additionally, this study assessed the psychometric properties of the Vocational and Community Involvement Profile (VOCIP). This was accomplished by using a pretest-posttest control group experimental design. The knowledge gained from this study will have direct implications for better understanding parents' attitudes associated with the transition from school to adult life for their sons and daughters with disabilities. It also will demonstrate the potential importance of systematic intervention aimed at improving family understanding and involvement.