Study Finds Similar Outcomes For Adults With And Without Disabilities

March 25, 2012 - PRLog -- There is a common misconception that today’s young adults between the ages of 18-26 experience different transitional periods into adulthood, especially those with a disability.  Within the fields of special education, psychology, and social research, it is widely assumed and documented that people with disabilities take longer to achieve traditional benchmarks associated with becoming an adult than their non-disabled peers. But according to a recent study, this is not true. The study called “What’s Going on with Young People Today? The Long and Twisting Path to Adulthood” by Richard A. Settersten Jr. and Barbara Ray concluded that young Americans with a disability are experiencing the same transition into adulthood as their counter-part of young Americans without a disability.

Being able to become self-reliant, able to accept the risks of responsibility and sustain resilience is a process that is best learned through personal experience. But if there is guidance and support for parents and young adults through the transitional period, “It can only result in positive long-term impact on our society and economic growth for both demographics, with or without a disability” said Rob Crawford, CEO of Life Development Institute, an adult special education program in Phoenix, Arizona.

The study shows that like present day young adults with disabilities of the same ages as those without disabilities, they are living at home longer, earning lower wages and relying on their parents’ financial support.  That is because in the adult world outside of academia for those with and without disabilities, there are few developed systems of programs, age/ability appropriate services or mentors embedded into and collaborating with America’s higher education, workforce development, or service learning opportunities.  Programs like Life Development Institute have taken notice of this situation and have been making progress in improving the statistics. “Both demographics can benefit from a program that assists with the transition from school to the professional working environment,” said Mr. Crawford.

Since 1982, Life development Institute staff and its administrators are devoted to actively work with and support parents who are eager for a place where their adult-child can thrive and succeed. Families look to LDI for hope and support, as there are few other viable resources for their children. LDI strives to ease the difficult transition for the parent from being their adult-child's advocate to being a parent who can empower their offspring to become more independent. For more information please visit:  http://lifedevelopmentinstitute.org

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Since 1982, Life development Institute staff and its administrators are devoted to actively work with and support parents who are eager for a place where their adult-child can thrive and succeed. Families look to LDI for hope and support, as there are few other viable resources for their children. LDI strives to ease the difficult transition for the parent from being their adult-child's advocate to being a parent who can empower their offspring to become more independent. For more information visit: http://lifedevelopmentinstitute.org