Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to develop a transition program from vocational secondary education to employment for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Methods: This was a qualitative study. Approximately 62 sources were retrieved from authoritative databases, of which 49 sources aligned with the research criteria were selected and reviewed. Key points and themes were extracted by using thematic analysis. The statistical population consisted of experts in the field of education and employment for individuals with special needs, including instructors and specialists from the Special Education Organization of Fars province; 10 participants were selected by using simple random sampling.

Results: Based on the extracted themes, the findings present a systematic approach for transitioning adolescents with IDD from the school environment to the labor market. This model comprised five main axes including: self-efficacy, environmental interaction, systemic adaptation, targeted skill-building, and protection and sustainability.

Conclusion: The findings of this research indicated that five themes formed the foundation for designing a comprehensive transition program model developed around teaching personal skills, social skills, familiarity with employment structures, business skills, and health and safety. In addition, the findings emphasized that attention to holistic skills and their instruction should be placed to foster vocational readiness.