15.056 - Changing the Landscape: Explorations in Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in higher education is an emerging field. Once considered “uneducable”, students with significant cognitive disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism are entering post-secondary education as college students for the first time. 25 colleges and universities are designated by the US Department of Education as model Transition and Postsecondary programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID). This symposium includes work at four TPSID programs and overall data analysis from the National Coordinating Center. Speakers will present emerging research on program development, academic supports, representation and advocacy, career development, and outcome measurement. Together, these five presentations highlight new developments in post-secondary education focusing on issues of access for a long marginalized group.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Special Education Research

Chair

• Beth Myers, Syracuse University

Papers

• Higher Education for Students With Intellectual Disability: Recent National Data - Clare Papay, Institute for Community Inclusion-UMASS Boston

• Developing Supports for Full Academic Inclusion of Students With Intellectual Disabilities in a Large University - Mary E. Morningstar, Portland State University

• My College Life: Self-Representation and Postsecondary Students With Intellectual Disabilities - Beth Myers, Syracuse University

• College: A Path to Careers for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - Margo Izzo, The Ohio State University

• Measuring Valued Outcomes of Postsecondary Education for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - Ann Marie Licata, Millersville University

Discussant

• Meg Grigal, University Massachusetts Boston