Dukes, Lyman

Through secondary analyses of data obtained from the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) National Coordinating Center database of model demonstration sites in Florida, this study examined components of inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities correlated with employment upon program exit. Inclusive coursework was found to have the strongest correlation with the post-school outcome of paid, competitive employment upon exit.

One way to help students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) succeed in their college and career endeavors is to provide training and support to secondary staff working with transition-aged students and professionals providing services in college. Think College, in collaboration with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, created two self-paced learning modules for these groups. Numerous resources have been included throughout each module.

Due to changes in legislation and policy in the United States, higher education has become more available to people with intellectual disability (ID). Currently, over 6000 students with ID are enrolled in 310 colleges and universities. In the past decade, the federal government has invested over 100 million dollars in a model demonstration program aimed at institutions of higher education to create, expand, or enhance high-quality, inclusive higher education experiences to support positive outcomes for individuals with ID.

Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities provides effective strategies for navigating the transition process from high school into college for students with a wide range of disabilities. As students with disabilities attend two and four-year colleges in increasing numbers and through expanding access opportunities, challenges remain in helping these students and their families prepare for and successfully transition into higher education.