Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs are designed to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to seek postsecondary education while receiving explicit instruction and support in social and emotional, independent living, and vocational skills. While students enroll in college classes, there is little research available for how to…

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who attend inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs gain many new and beneficial skills, including independent living, social, and employability skills. Another skill set that may be strengthened by attending an IPSE program is self-determination. There is limited research…

College students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are transitioning to more autonomous college settings in recent years. Intimacy education has been identified as a potential need; yet, there are factors that could facilitate or inhibit access to education, experiences, and support efforts in this area. The Continuum of…

By amplifying the voices of young college women with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this study explores the intersections of disability, gender, sexuality, and higher education. It highlights how maternal socialization shapes their sexual knowledge prior to college, revealing that mothers often leave their daughters misinformed,…

This study aimed to understand the ways in which college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience and develop their understanding of emotions and emotional wellness. Semi-structured interviews with college students with IDD were conducted. The research team utilized consensual qualitative research (CQR) to analyze…

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (SWIDD) often require academic, employment, and social support to be successful in inclusive postsecondary education programs. One way to provide support in these areas is via peer mentorship. In addition to SWIDD obtaining the support they need; peer mentors also benefit from the…

The effects of a computer-based reading intervention on whole word reading in three post-secondary students with intellectual and/or developmental disability were evaluated using a multiple baseline across tasks (i.e., word sets) design. Words were selected from each student's elective undergraduate social science course materials. During this…

This multi-manuscript dissertation comprises two interconnected articles that collectively explore the experiences of college students with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) engaging in wellness interventions within inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) settings in the southeastern region of the United States. Wellness…

Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on college campuses are vulnerable to exclusion and a lack of social participation. However, peers can provide meaningful supports to young adults with IDD in the area of social/communication skills. The purpose of this study was to enhance the conversation skills of four young…

With the increase in college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) enrolled in inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs, there is a growing call to understand additional support necessary for their mental health and wellness. Our IPSE program developed the personal development (PD) domain to meet the unique…

Poor social skills is a leading factor why individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) lose their jobs. Fortunately, the use of technology has made learning and teaching social skills more seamless and integrated in employment contexts. We conducted a multiple-probe-across-participants single-case experimental design study…

Belonging is an essential human need, regardless of whether or not one has a disability, and has been found to positively impact one's physical and mental health. Feelings of belonging for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have largely been unexplored in research. Using the 10 Dimensions of Belonging…

The rapid growth of inclusive higher education opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has contributed to improvements in students' academics, employment, social, and independent living outcomes. However, many college programs lack a focus on functional literacy, a critical skill for success in…

This doctoral capstone project assesses the impact and effectiveness of using peer mentoring workbooks as a tool to enhance the transition of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A peer mentoring workbook was developed using theoretical frameworks to guide its design and identification of primary occupations, roles,…

Transportation is a necessity in adult life. Qualitative literature regarding the usability of transportation to travel freely within the community (e.g., school, work, leisure activities) is widely circulated; however, information regarding transportation needs and barriers specifically faced by individuals with an intellectual and developmental…