YOUNG-ADULTS WITH BEHAVIORAL-DISORDERS - BEFORE AND AFTER IDEA

The results of follow-up studies conducted on individuals with behavio ral disorders (BD) from two high school graduating classes are compare d. One class (class of 1985) was graduated well after passage of Publi c Law 94-142, but before passage of IDEA (when transition planning bec ame a federal requirement); the other class (class of 1993) was gradua ted after passage of IDEA. Two questions were addressed: (1) Were grad uates with ED from the class of 1993 better off than their counterpart s from the class of 1985 as young adults out of school 1 year! and (2) Should we be satisfied with the status of these individuals as young adults? The class of 1993 demonstrated better outcomes than the class of 1985 in several areas, but graduates with ED did not experience out comes equal to those of their classmates without disabilities.