Foundations

This "call to action" encourages the reader to challenge the prejudiced assumptions that underlie the exclusion of persons with disabilities from higher education, and bring full inclusion to postsecondary settings. The article explains that the notion of disability is a social construct, and that exclusion on the basis of disability is in fact oppression. The authors situate the exclusion of persons with disabilities from higher education within an understanding that historically, colleges have maintained exclusive environments by restricting access among marginalized groups.

This literature review examines the American and Canadian educational research and program literature related to the inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities in the postsecondary community college system and adult vocational training systems and has the overall goal of identifying factors that contribute to effective integration. Following an introduction which identifies themes of research in this area, the second chapter looks at current levels of participation across disabilities, by disability category, and specifically for people with an intellectual disability.

This academic paper examines the goals of inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities, within the context of a broader political movement, that of inclusive community living, and explores the limitations of a rights discourse as the foundation for advocacy and social change. The author deconstructs the "othering" of persons with disabilities, exposes the separate special education system as a form of institutional exclusion and oppression, and asserts that full inclusion is possible through modifications and adaptations to curriculum and instruction.

This brief informs readers about models of postsecondary programs for students with ID, describing them in terms of level of inclusion: substantially separate, mixed/hybrid and inclusive. It also provides information on program funding and includes a list of resources.

This Think College Insight Brief discusses the philosophy behind offering postsecondary education opportunities to students with intellectual disabilities.

A five minute video by Norman Kunc and Emma Vanderklift that uses words and music to highlight important concepts to remember when supporting people with disabilities.  Excellent training resource for educational coaches and peer mentors.