Youth with disabilities face many barriers in making the transition from high school to stable long term employment. This article used case study methodology to examine the career development process and post school employment outcomes for a sample of individuals with disabilities who were working in living wage occupations seven to ten years after exiting high school. Key influences on initial post high school placement included: a) participation in work experience, b) transition services and supports, and c) family support and expectations.

Ongoing career advancement was supported by a combination of factors including: a) participation in post secondary education or training, b) steady work experiences and c) a set of personal attributes including self-efficacy and persistence. These themes were present across all participants, but specific experiences and outcomes varied by gender.

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