From disability to ABILITY Series
Beyond Graduation
Navigating Postsecondary Success for Students with Disabilities
Paperback
Published: November 2025
9781975509453
$45.95
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Published: November 2025
9781975509460
$45.95
Add to Cart
6" x 9"
Language: English

Transition planning for students with disabilities is often treated as a procedural task rather than an opportunity to address systemic inequities. Beyond Graduation: Navigating Postsecondary Success for Students with Disabilities reframes postsecondary transition through a justice-centered framework that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices. The book examines the current state of transition planning, highlighting disparities in access, employment, and community integration for disabled students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. It advocates for early intervention, comprehensive assessments, and individualized goals aligned with each student’s strengths and aspirations.

The book explores how race, disability, and socioeconomic status intersect to shape postsecondary experiences, emphasizing the need for equity-centered transition practices that address systemic biases in special education. It critiques traditional definitions of college readiness and advocates for inclusive curriculum design and equitable access to advanced coursework.

Strategies for fostering independence, financial literacy, and self-advocacy are outlined, along with practical recommendations for navigating postsecondary systems and digital spaces. The concluding chapter underscores the importance of accountability, systemic change, and justice-oriented planning that prepares all students to thrive beyond graduation. Designed for educators, practitioners, students, families, educators, and policymakers, this research bridges the gap between policy and practice, offering actionable solutions to empower students with disabilities to achieve success beyond the classroom and into adulthood.

Perfect for courses such as: Foundations of Postsecondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities; Equity and Inclusion in College Readiness Programs; Principles of Independent Living and Life Skills Development; Addressing Ableism and Systemic Barriers in Higher Education; Intersectionality and Disability: Navigating Race, Class, and Access; Technology and Access in Postsecondary Education; Advocacy and Self-Determination for Students with Disabilities; Introduction to Special Education; and Exceptional Children

Table of Contents:

List of Figures and Tables

Acknowledgements

Foreword by Gloria Ladson-Billings

PART I: Understanding Postsecondary Transition

Chapter 1. The State of Transition for Students With Disabilities

Chapter 2. Transition Planning in High School 

Chapter 3. The Intersection of Disability, Race, and Socioeconomic Status

PART II: Pathways to Postsecondary Success

Chapter 4. College Readiness and Academic Success

Chapter 5. Navigating College Systems With Intersectional Identities

Chapter 6. Independent Living and Life Skills Development

Part III: Overcoming Barriers and Expanding Opportunities

Chapter 7. Addressing Ableism and Systemic Barriers in Postsecondary Institutions

Chapter 8. The Role of Technology in Enhancing Postsecondary Success

Chapter 9. Voices of Lived Experience

Chapter 10. Charting the Future of Postsecondary Transition

Afterword by Arne Duncan

Appendices: Resources, Checklists, and Templates

About the Author

Index

NOTE: Table of Contents subject to change up until publication date.

Reviews & Endorsements:

Beyond Graduation is a transformative call to action for educators, families, and advocates committed to equity in postsecondary transition. Grounded in lived experience and rigorous research, this book confronts ableism, centers intersectionality, and offers practical, justice-driven strategies to support students with disabilities as they navigate life beyond high school. An essential read for anyone working to ensure that access, belonging, and opportunity are not privileges, but guaranteed rights.”

Dr. Andraé Townsel, Superintendent, Calvert County Public Schools, President, National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE)

“This timely and compelling work redefines what it means to support students with disabilities beyond high school. Drawing on lived experience, powerful narratives, and justice-driven research, Dr. Antonio L. Ellis offers a bold vision for equitable postsecondary transition. Educators, families, and advocates will find both inspiration and practical tools to dismantle ableism and foster true inclusion. With clarity, compassion, and urgency, this book challenges institutions to move beyond compliance and toward transformation. It’s essential reading for anyone committed to ensuring that opportunity, dignity, and belonging are guaranteed, not granted, for all students.”

Ashlie Jones, Director of Postsecondary Transition, District of Columbia Public Schools

“As a professional who has worked in teacher preparation and the field of special education and transition since the early days of Supported Work in the 1980’s, I can tell you that Dr. Ellis’s unique focus on the intersection and layered impact of race, disability, and socioeconomic status on effective transition and postsecondary education for students with disabilities has been much needed and provides a missing lens of critical inquiry on this issue.”

Dr. Elizabeth Altieri, Professor Emeritus, Radford University School of Teacher Education and Leadership

“Dr. Ellis has written a profound, must-read book for those seeking to be more effective in special education and transition. This unique, visionary, and timely book focuses on equity-focused and culturally responsive transition for students with disabilities. Each chapter is substantive and compelling in addressing challenges and needs, along with impactful recommendations and resources. I highly recommend it for families, practitioners, and P-12 and higher education professionals. You will not be disappointed.”

Dr. Donna Y. Ford, Distinguished Professor of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University

“Dr. Antonio Ellis is a consummate professional in the field of special education. This scholar-activist has dedicated his career to improving quality of life for children and young adults with special needs. He is particularly focused on children and young adults who are from traditionally underserved communities. All his earlier publications are exemplary illustrations of his expertise and deep commitment to improve learning opportunities for students in special education. This book is his yet another contribution that draws attention to a crucial aspect of special educational intervention, namely transition from schools to higher educational institutions. Mindful planning and methodical implementation of step-by-step guidance to special education students are key to their successful transition to higher education or the world of work. More importantly, sensitivity to the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the students is critical for successful outcomes of transition. Dr. Ellis has most comprehensively conceived and authored this book so that it can become a valuable resource for special education personnel in schools, university faculty, researchers, and parents of children with special needs.”

Dr. Rc Saravanabhavan, Professor Emeritus, Howard University School of Education