Pathways to Adulthood: Perspectives of Blind and Low Vision Youth on Transition and Early Life Outcomes

Purpose

This project aimed to illuminate how blind and low vision (B/LV) youth experience the transition from high school to adulthood. Across two companion studies, the project examined (a) B/LV students’ high school transition experiences and (b) their early adulthood experiences related to employment, postsecondary education, independent living, and community participation.

Research Questions

Study A Research Questions:

1. What are the high school experiences of B/LV individuals related to their preparation for life after high school?
2. How well do recent graduates feel they were prepared for adulthood?

Study B Research Questions:

1. What are the early employment experiences of B/LV individuals upon high school exit?
2. What are the early postsecondary education experiences of B/LV individuals?
3. What are the early adulthood experiences of B/LV individuals related to living and participating in their communities?

Implications

Findings suggest several implications for improving transition outcomes for B/LV youth.

• Educators should embed expanded core curriculum (ECC) instruction within traditional transition planning and ensure meaningful student participation in the individualized education program (IEP) process. Schools should foster self-determination through authentic decision-making opportunities, expand access to career and technical education (CTE) and work-based learning, and strengthen collaboration with vocational rehabilitation (VR) and community agencies.
• School Administrators can prioritize system-level coordination and professional development to improve staff capacity in transition planning.
• Students should be empowered by families and professionals to develop self-advocacy, technology, and independent living skills critical for postschool success. Together, these actions can help ensure that B/LV youth leave school not only academically prepared but also equipped to navigate college, work, and community life with confidence and autonomy.

Project Outputs

Study A:

High School Experiences – Manuscript [doc link]

High School Experiences - Research Brief PowerPoint Slides [ppt link]

High School Experiences – Research Brief Video [video link to YouTube]

Study B:

Postsecondary Experiences– Manuscript [doc link]

Postsecondary Experiences– Research Brief PowerPoint Slides [ppt link]

Postsecondary Experiences– Research Brief Video [coming soon]