Benefits of postsecondary education experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disability

Meg Grigal, Sara Jo Soldovieri, Beth Myers, Clare Papay, Caitlyn A. Bukaty

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the benefits of postsecondary education (PSE) for adults with intellectual and developmental disability. It describes the existing landscape of the current 339 PSE options offered by colleges and universities in the US and the relevant legislative foundations supporting program development. A brief overview of a federally funded model demonstration project, the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability program and its corresponding data on implementation and outcomes are shared. Authors review the beneficial impact college planning can have on students in both middle and high school including the importance of helping families consider college options and building academic and nonacademic skills into student education goals and planning. College based transition services are defined and research findings about the beneficial impact of attending these programs are offered. The benefits of the college search process are reviewed, describing the positive development of students having increased postsecondary program options to choose from and the relationship between choosing the right college to support a student's desired career path. The benefits of being a college student, including the benefits of learning, working, and living on campus are shared using vignettes to highlight the voices of college students with intellectual disability. Finally, the authors describe the beneficial impact of PSE for students with intellectual and developmental disability on education and service systems, including higher education, vocational rehabilitation, and disability funding sources.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLife Experiences of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
EditorsBrianne Tomaszewski
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages1-31
Number of pages31
ISBN (Print)9780443317040
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2024

Publication series

NameInternational Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities
Volume66
ISSN (Print)2211-6095

Keywords

  • College and career readiness
  • College planning
  • College-based transition services
  • Developmental disability
  • Inclusive higher education
  • Inclusive postsecondary education
  • Intellectual disability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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