Congratulations to Patrice Dobies who on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, successfully defended her dissertation proposal. The title of Patrice’s dissertation is: "THE EXPERIENCES THAT PROMOTE OR PROHIBIT PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES FROM ACCESSING A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION PROCESS."
This study examines the experiences of parents of significantly disabled young adults as they transition from their school district's auspices to adult service agencies. These agencies are intended to provide lifelong support for adults with significant disabilities, such as autism, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disabilities.
The purpose of this case study is to understand the experiences of parents attempting to create a successful transition for their children with significant disabilities as they enter adult services in New York State. This study will help to identify experiences that are helpful and those that impede parents' attempts to obtain adult services for their disabled children when they leave the school district setting. This research will be conducted through the framework of Epstein's Theory of Overlapping Influences, which asserts that when schools, parents, and the community collaborate, student outcomes and development will be strengthened. A case study will be used to answer research questions which seek to determine what parents expect, what they deemed helpful, and what might have impeded their child’s transition.
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Dr. Peter Troiano
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Dr. Robert Feirsen
Dr. Pavan Antony
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