Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs of Study for Students with Intellectual Disability

Researchers explored 11 of Florida’s inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs for individuals with intellectual disability (ID), during the 2016 and 2017 academic years. The researchers sought to explore, the nature of academic access as well as the programs of study available to students with ID within Florida’s IPSE programs. Researchers found the majority (73%; n=8) of IPSE programs in this study (n=11) housed at three universities, three community and state colleges, and two career technical colleges. These eight institutions provided inclusive programs of study where students were enrolled in two or more academically inclusive courses each semester. Three programs of study types emerged from the qualitative data: Liberal Arts, Career Technical, and Transitional. Researchers point to the need for further exploration of the diversity of IPSE programs, the need to operationalize and ex-amine specific elements within IPSE programs, and the impact of credentials offered upon program of study.