Rillotta, Fiona

The Spring 2019 Research Summit will focus on evaluating the experiences and perspectives of peer mentors supporting students with intellectual disability in inclusive higher education. Erik Carter, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and Fiona Rillotta, Ph.D., Lecturer & Honours Coordinator, Disability and Community Inclusion, College of Nursing and Health Science at Flinders University, will present their work. Presentation handouts, a recording of the summit, and the transcript of the summit are available here for download.

This Fast Fact, based on a research study which is being presented at the Spring 2019 Research Summit, examines the inclusive higher education programs offered in Australia with a focus on one: the Up The Hill Project (UPTP). Researchers conducted interviews with students in UPTP and peer mentors, specifically looking at the topics of inclusive practices, working towards and achieving goals, mentoring experience, and development of skills. Results of the research study are featured in this publication.

Inclusive post-secondary education (PSE) delivers positive personal, social and academic outcomes. However, there is limited support for students with intellectual disability (ID) to participate in higher education, particularly in Australia. This study investigated the expectations and experiences of students with ID in an inclusive individual support PSE programme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students (n = 4) and peer mentors (n = 6) at the beginning and end of one academic semester.