Developmental Trajectories of Youth with Disabilities (age 12-25 years of age): A Knowledge Synthesis
Final Paper to Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) - February 28, 2011
This report is the outcome of a knowledge synthesis project on developmental trajectories of youth with disabilities, ages 12 - 25 years (December 15, 2010 to February 28, 2011). The project was initiated and funded by the Ministry for Child and Youth Services (MCYS) in Ontario as part of a series of research syntheses that capture up-to-date evidence from a variety of disciplines to explain the developmental pathways of school-aged children, adolescents and young adults as they transition to adulthood. The results of these syntheses will also support the ministry's development of a Youth Policy Framework.
Our research team was guided by interactional, life course perspectives and definitions of development and disability to ensure that all factors, processes, relationships and contexts were addressed. An 'inclusive' developmental framework that is applicable for all youth, including those with special needs was created. It is hoped that this framework will also guide youth policy development across departments and governments.
Research Team
For more information, please contact Jan Willem Gorter
- Debra Stewart, MSc
- Tram Nguyen, MSc
- Marilyn Swinton, MSc
- Wenonah Campbell, PhD
- Marc Woodbury-Smith, MD
- Marilyn Wright, PT MSc
- Jan Burke-Gaffney, BA
- Peter Rosenbaum, MD
Resources
Gorter, JW (2011). Build our youth for the future in paediatrics and beyond. Acta Paediatrica, 2011 Aug 28. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02455.x
Successful Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Developmental Disabilities (?Hand in Hand? Winter 2013, Vol 17, Issue 4; reprinted with the kind permission of the Down Syndrome Research Foundation)