The transition from school to work or employment entails a great challenge for young people in general and those with disabilities in particular. People with disabilities are confronted with manifold barriers in their transition to further education, training and employment. In European countries, a research gap exists in the field of transition from SEC I to SEC II and to employment for various groups of adolescents with disabilities.

To improve the situation for persons with disabilities it is important to look at the situation in other countries and even more to work collaborative on this theme. Therefore, the research on transition is a field which needs international collaboration.

The main focus of the symposium is on sharing the experiences on transitions in two different countries (Austria and Germany). The third paper, presented by the UK international consultant to the Austrian research project, will discuss the methodology of researching transitions. To place this work in context, the UK paper will also refer to UK transitions.

Based on a cross-country perspective it´s the aim of the symposium to get a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of youths with disabilities during the transition process and further to learn from the experiences each country has already made.  

International collaboration is important to learn more about the transition process and the various actors’ point of view (youth people with disability, parents, and professionals).

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