Differences in Self-Determination Across Disability Categories: Findings From National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012

Researchers have established variability in self-determination scores across disability groups, but most nationally representative research has used data collected over a decade ago from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2). To provide an updated analysis of differences in characteristics of self-determination (i.e., autonomy, psychological empowerment, self-realization) across disability groups, this study analyzed data from the recently completed National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS2012). The authors tested measurement equivalence across seven disability groups: high-incidence disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, speech or language impairments, and other health impairments), sensory disabilities (visual and hearing impairment), multiple disabilities (multiple disabilities and deaf-blindness), intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students in the multiple disabilities, intellectual disability, and ASD groups showed lower self-determination scores compared with other disability groups. Greater variability was also found in scores among these groups. Implications for assessment research practice, and policy are highlighted.