Originally aired on October 15, 2024, this webinar shares practical strategies for enhancing internship programs for students with intellectual disabilities. The session covered how to support internship sites in creating a positive and inclusive environment, the importance of continuous feedback, and ways to foster student self-advocacy. The event began with a presentation by former Think College intern Rachel Adams-Duffy, who shared her personal journey from college student to professional advocate. Rachel’s story demonstrated how internships can open doors to career success and build self-advocacy skills.
Objectives:
Supported the Internship Site in Building a Positive Culture: Participants explored strategies to assist internship sites, including virtual ones, in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This included setting clear expectations and ensuring meaningful engagement for students.
Utilized Continuous Feedback: The importance of regular check-ins and structured evaluations was emphasized as a way to enhance internship experiences and address issues proactively.
Supported Student Self-Advocacy: Participants learned how internship sites and college programs could help students develop self-advocacy skills, including providing training and resources from the program and implementing supportive practices at the site.
Connected Internships to Career Growth: Rachel Adams-Duffy shared her transition from internship to advocacy, offering key lessons on leveraging internships for career development and job satisfaction.