Background: A peer-led self-advocacy group, Our Voice SA, is used as a case study to explore how the social engagement of people with intellectual disability contributed to their self-advocacy about things that are important to them. Method: Secondary analyses of data (interviews, observations and program data) were thematically analysed using…

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face many barriers to meaningful inclusion, including limited language and communication skills. Professionals, such as speech-language pathologists (SLPs), can provide personalized instruction to promote skill development and inclusion. Providing opportunities for individuals to…

Play represents an important component of early childhood education and is linked to the development of communication and social skills, particularly for children with developmental disabilities who often lack play skills. Structured teaching is a systematic method that entails visually arranging and organizing the learning environment. Although…

In our inclusive schools, teachers work with many children who have learning differences such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. For most children with special learning needs such as these, educators focus on helping them to achieve academic skills. However, educators are finding that delays in social…

Benefits of peer mentoring include learning to collaborate , developing relationships, skill development and career clarity. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of undergraduate university students mentoring a person with intellectual disability as part of their university practicum placement. Using a qualitative approach, peer…

As postsecondary programs grow for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (SwIDD), there is an increased focus on program evaluation and effectiveness, specifically related to impact on employment outcomes. Ohio's Statewide Consortium (OSC) of postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental…

For education to be a means of social transformation that is equitable for all, including students with disabilities, it is important for educators to understand and infuse student's multiple social identities and culture into educational planning and preparation for life. Intersectionality theory is a way to understand inequities by acknowledging…

Paraprofessionals are a crucial component of special education services and can be vital to promoting inclusive learning opportunities. Although intentions behind utilizing paraprofessional support may be good, students with disabilities may become over-reliant on paraprofessionals, thus limiting student independence in the classroom. This paper…

Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs offer students with intellectual disabilities (ID) the opportunity to enhance academic, career, and independent living skills, with the ultimate goal of preparing them for meaningful employment. Given the significance of such programs and their rapid growth across the country and in Florida, an…

College students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) are afforded many educational opportunities through Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs, including employment training. Competitive employment can contribute a rich independent life, thus more employment training opportunities can be beneficial. Low employment rates for adults…

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have the lowest rates of post-high school education and employment of all disability groups (Migliore, et al., 2009). Inequity in educational and employment outcomes is arguably a result of the scarce opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to attend college…

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are organizations mandated to be led by people with disabilities to serve people with disabilities and make systems change. CILs provide support to people of all ages, with all types of disabilities, to equip them with the skills to live independently in their communities, advocate for their needs, and develop…

While entitled to education, the curriculum for pupils with intellectual disabilities (ID) remains unresolved. In a time of curriculum renewal, this study inquires into Norwegian school policy in the period 2014-2018 to evaluate this learner group's course of study. Attentiveness to special education and curricular approach are discussed through…

Teacher preparation for inclusive education of students with significant disabilities requires an understanding of the requisite skills and dispositions to be taught during the teacher preparation period. Given the relative scarcity of inclusive placements for this population, as well as limited research-based teacher preparation practices to…

Background/purpose: Children with special needs often experience limitations in their activities. Despite this, they are expected to develop independence and avoid reliance on others. Therefore, education for independence is essential for children with special needs. Unfortunately, teaching and training children to be independent is challenging,…