This study examined whether and how an online mentoring social network (SN) assists students with special needs--Intellectual Disabilities (ID) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in coping with their disabilities and accumulating bonding and bridging types of social capital. The study used a qualitative research paradigm--Netnography to crosscheck…

Background: Measurement instruments to understand self-determined motivation towards physical activity among college students with intellectual disabilities are needed to develop programs to support physical and psychological health and well-being. The purpose of the current study was to validate a modified questionnaire measuring basic…

This study is a needs assessment of Extension staff in the state of Iowa to implement inclusive programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Electronic surveys were completed by Extension staff on their attitudes and beliefs toward people with IDD, inclusive programming, and training needs. Results showed…

Background: Health outcomes of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability are poor. Yet there is a paucity of nurse education and preparation to care for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. Method: A cross sectional survey of Australian Registered Nurses related to their educational…

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…

Background: Opportunities for students with intellectual disability to attend postsecondary education have increased with the rise of inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) supports, bringing the need to examine the experiences of students and their instructors. Method: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 12 university…

Background: There is a dearth of literature related to well-being of college students with IDD. The purpose of this study was to use design thinking to identify health-related innovations for college students with IDD. Method: Two design thinking events were conducted with participants (n = 16). Subsequent web-based surveys with a separate group…

Teachers of students with extensive support needs (ESN) often perform many leadership-related tasks, such as supervising paraprofessionals or advocating school wide for student accessibility and inclusion. While teacher leadership has received considerable attention in research and practice, much of the attention has resided in general education…

More individuals with disabilities (IWD) are accessing higher education than ever before. Although more students with intellectual disabilities (ID) are attending college, there is a large discrepancy among the types of programming offered. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore student experiences in post-secondary education (PSE)…

Starting college can be an exciting time for students. College can also present new challenges, like learning unwritten rules, following unfamiliar procedures, and navigating new environments. Many students, including those with intellectual disability, benefit from explicit campus navigation and acclimation training in their new campus community.…

The purpose of this study was to examine the sexual health needs, beliefs, and access to resources for support staff of students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program. Sixteen support staff from an IPSE program in the Southeast United States were recruited. Online surveys…

Inclusive postsecondary education (PSE) programs at institutions of higher education are emerging as opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including those with extensive support needs (ESN), to progress toward their desired outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences and…

Over the last decade, the number of SWIDs interested in postsecondary opportunities has increased. This is partially in response to the HEOA of 2008, which opened the door to more educational opportunities and supports for SWIDs; SWIDs can now consider college an option, not just a dream. As a result, the demand for new programs continues to grow…

Preservice teachers often have low post-school expectations for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), although the stated goal of special education is to increase those very outcomes. However, setting high expectations and learning the accompanying soft skills is a complex skill set to include in special education…

Since the inception of the Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008, there has been an increase in the number of post-secondary education institutions in the United States that have established inclusive postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities to attend college and achieve higher levels of employment. Previous studies…