Characteristics of Students Receiving Occupational Therapy Services in Transition and Factors Related to Postsecondary Success.

OBJECTIVE

This study had a twofold purpose: (1) identify the characteristics of people with disabilities who received occupational therapy services during their transition to adulthood and (2) determine factors associated with their successful postsecondary transition.

METHOD: This study was a secondary analysis of National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 data. Data analyses include descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and simple linear regression.

RESULTS

Autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability were the most commonly reported disability classifications. Participation in postsecondary education was significantly associated with functional use of arms and hands. Postsecondary employment was significantly associated with verbal comprehension. Participation in community activities was significantly related to students' health status, and participation in community service was significantly related to students' functional use of arms and hands.

CONCLUSION

Providing transition services to students with disabilities remains an emerging area of practice. Occupational therapy practitioners may contribute to transition teams by intervening to improve functional abilities and health status.