The Implementation of Peer Supports in a Work-Based School Setting for Students With Severe Disabilities

• In Event: 18.073 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 18.073-12 - Special Education Research SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Students with severe disabilities are the least prepared for employment and the least likely to engage in friendships after high school (Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Garza, & Levine, 2005). Research has shown that peer mediated interventions have improved academic and social skills for students with and without severe disabilities in general education settings (Carter, Sisco, Melekoglu, & Kurkowski, 2007). This study examined the effects of a peer mediated intervention on employability skills of students with severe disabilities in a work-based high school setting. Results demonstrated an improvement of work and social skills for students with severe disabilities while working with students without disabilities in the high school work place.

Authors

• Lindsay Athamanah, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Lisa S. Cushing, University of Illinois at Chicago