A Model Rural Inclusive Postsecondary Program for Students With Intellectual Disability

Lions Connected (LC) is an inclusive postsecondary program approved by the U.S. Department of Education; thus meeting rigorous program standards and accountability. Equally important is that it gives eligible students from rural areas the opportunity to receive federal financial aid to attend college. The purpose of developing LC was to meet the needs and desires of the surrounding rural communities by providing postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual disability (ID) to enhance their social, academic, and employment skills alongside peers without disabilities. This article describes the program in detail as well as program outcomes, including employment in rural home communities. LC students receive a true college experience while preparing to become contributing members in society regardless of where they live. By following LC’s program structure, there are multiple opportunities for supporting students with ID in rural settings and helping them garner a college experience and become successfully employed in their community and reach their full potential.

Exploring social networks, employment and self-determination outcomes of graduates from a postsecondary program for young adults with an intellectual disability

BACKGROUND: Data on graduates’ development and employment outcomes from postsecondary programs for young adults with an Intellectual Disability (ID) continue to increase and provide information on program efficacy and areas for growth. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the development of graduates’ social networks, employment outcomes, and self-determination a year after graduating from an inclusive postsecondary program. METHODS: The social networks, employment outcomes, and evidence of self-determination in a combined cohort of graduates (n = 6) were analyzed using social network analysis. RESULTS: All graduates except one were employed a year later. Half displayed smaller networks consisting of family members and new work ties. Only two graduates displayed large networks because of opportunities for socialization. In the absence of employment, students also fall back on familiar supports. Most parents were involved in graduates’ employment decisions, thereby curbing graduates’ expression of self-determination. CONCLUSIONS: Family supports are prominent in graduates’ networks and play a crucial role in employment choices. They act as constant protective and social-emotional supports ensuring graduates’ access to benefits and maintenance of well-being. Employment skills valued by employers and further opportunities to develop students’ social networks while in the PSE program needs to be a focus going forward.

“It’s ok, mom. I got it!”: Exploring the experiences of young adults with intellectual disabilities in a postsecondary program affected by the COVID-19 pandemic from their perspective and their families’ perspective

Students’ resilience in a postsecondary program for individuals with an intellectual disability impacted by the COVID-19 disruption and the challenges they faced during this time was captured in the context of social network analysis interviews that included students’ and families’ experiences as they managed the pandemic. Students’ experiences spoke to their resilience in using the skills they gained through the program to navigate the COVID-19 disruption even though it was sometimes tricky. Parents’ experiences revealed their increased confidence and sense of pride in their adult children when they observed growth in independence, self-determination, and familiarity with technology. Innovative and engaging instructional practices and e-mentoring support offered by peer mentors motivated students in their academics and encouraged their social development during this time. Student and parent experiences offer hope that young adults with an intellectual disability can gain skills in a postsecondary program that better prepares them to meet life’s challenges.

Postsecondary Program Design for Adult Learners

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the current body of literature surrounding program design to provide administrators and faculty with guidance and best practices for designing programs to support success for all students. As the national landscape of postsecondary education continues to include a substantial population of adult and non-traditional students, understanding these learners' needs is essential to designing programs that will support learner success. In the most straightforward definition, a program is a set of activities gathered for a specific purpose or outcome. Within postsecondary education, design begins with the program mission articulating the theoretical framework that provides the foundation of the program. Shaped by accreditation and regulatory requirements, the program mission drives the definition of the program outcomes, curriculum and instruction, program policy, and delivery method. Beyond the intersection of non-traditional and adult learning needs, the literature identified implications for the process of program design.

Experiences That Predict Employment for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Federally Funded Higher Education Programs

The Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) model demonstration program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education was implemented initially from 2010 to 2015. During this time, 27 institutions of higher education were awarded grants to develop programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to access higher education. TPSID programs were charged with developing model demonstration programs that would lead to gainful employment. In this article, we identify predictors of employment while in the program and at exit for students who completed a TPSID program between 2010 and 2015. Results identified several predictors of employment for students with IDD. Authors share implications for future research and practice gleaned from the analysis.

Autistic Identity Development and Postsecondary Education

<p>As the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) becomes more prevalent in society and an autistic culture develops and moves forward, colleges and universities are in the position of supporting students with similar differences but opposing views about how to address those differences. The autism acceptance movement emphasizes the need for change by educational institutions and society at large, while the medical model perspective seeks to understand cause and believes autistic people need treatment and even need to be cured of autism. This article uses a disability identity development model to explore the potential impact of autism acceptance and medical model perspectives at different stages of development. Postsecondary program elements that emphasize neurodiversity, understanding strengths, and the building of academic strategies for success that support students who are in the process of identity development are recommended.</p>

Postsecondary Education for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Synthesis of the Literature

This article is a systematic analysis and synthesis of published research from 1985–2000 recommending or reporting on postsecondary education services for students with learning disabilities. Twenty-six articles met the criteria of recommending services or describing services presently available. The 11 program factors examined were: definition of learning disability, characteristics of adult learners, type of institution, special admission procedures, assessment services, program accommodations, support services, instructional adjustments, instructional staff training, direct service staff training, and program evaluation. Implications and recommendations for postsecondary program development are presented.