ERIC Number: ED614765
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Peer Supports: Focusing on the Experiences of College Students with Intellectual Disability. Think College Fast Facts. Issue No. 27
Wilt, Courtney L.; Morningstar, Mary E.
Institute for Community Inclusion
Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs for youth with intellectual disability recognize students with intellectual disability as contributing members of the broader campus community through academic engagement, career development, and social activities (Grigal & Papay, 2018; Jones et. al, 2015). An established strategy for promoting natural and inclusive supports is the use of peer mentors. Research in the K-12 settings has found that peer mentors in high school can promote positive academic, social, employment, and mental health outcomes (Carter, et al., 2016; Asmus et al., 2016). This Fast Fact draws from a qualitative study that interviewed college students with intellectual disability. The purpose of the study was to fill a gap toward what is known about IPSE students and their experiences with peer supports. The study indicated that peer supports can forge and strengthen social networks for IPSE students, and that these supports are valued by IPSE students in conjunction to the academic, emotional, and informational supports that develop from interpersonal relationships between IPSE students and the peers themselves.
Descriptors: Postsecondary Education, College Students, Students with Disabilities, Student Experience, Mentors, Social Networks, Social Capital, Friendship, Peer Relationship, Tutoring, Academic Support Services, Emotional Response
Institute for Community Inclusion. University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125. Tel: 617-287-4300; Fax: 617-287-4352; e-mail: ici@umb.edu; Web site: http://www.communityinclusion.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Postsecondary Education (ED)
Authoring Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion; Think College National Coordinating Center
Grant or Contract Numbers: P407B100002
Author Affiliations: N/A