Student Outcomes

In this comparative case report, graduates from two types of PSE programs for individuals with ID are surveyed regarding employment outcomes and other personal developments. The results from each postsecondary program are compared with one another and also with a comparison group of individuals with IDs who did not attend a postsecondary program (utilizing the 2009 National Longitudinal Transition Study 2).

This study examines the effect of college or university training on earnings of individuals with disabilities receiving services through the public vocational rehabilitation system. The study results may indicate that individuals who received college/university training had higher weekly earnings than those who did not, and had the greatest benefit for young adults; White, Asian, or Native American women with physical impairments; and people with mental impairments. 

There has been a great migration of students with intellectual disability (ID) into the college world. The Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008 (HEOA) has opened the door to postsecondary education to a previously untapped market of students. As a result, programs for students with intellectual disability have been developed around the country to support this historic systems change (Lee, 2009). Along with improved job prospects as one important measure of success, college participation also brings opportunity for personal and social development.

This article is a first hand student account of her experiences with the Threshold Program and the Cutting Edge program. In it she discusses some of the benefits of each program, and then notes the differences between them. The author also offers students advice on pursuing their dreams and advocating for themselves. Article includes sidebar: Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities: Emerging Standards, Quality Indicators and Benchmarks

Think College Insight Brief #29 shares outcomes of 23 graduates from one program at University of North Carolina Greensboro.  Data are shared on employment since graduation, current employment, living arranagement, financial services utilized, participation in community activities, whether they were registered to vote and whether they had a driver's license. 

This one page infographic shows key characteristics of students attending TPSID programs in 2011-2012 school year, including demographics, courses attended, job and career development activities and housing.

This Fast Fact shares data from the National Coordinating Center related to course enrollment and employment outcomes for students attending the Transition and Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with ID (TPSID) that were funded via the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

In this Think College Story, one student shares how she made her dream of going away to college a reality by attending the Pathway program at UCLA.

In this Think College Story, a student tells of her experience planning and preparing to attend college, and ultimately completing a program at Think College Vermont.

In this Think College Story, Vanessa Martinez details her experience at VAST Academy and how the program helped develop her self-esteem and career aspirations.