Students with an intellectual disability encounter challenges throughout their educational journey and as they transition to adulthood. Securing and maintaining competitive employment for individuals with an intellectual disability is harder for them than for their non-disabled peers. The problem addressed in this qualitative, phenomenological…

Rehabilitation counselors work with families to assist in transitioning adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) from school to adult services. Currently, there is no evidence base for rehabilitation counselors to conceptualize and promote disability acceptance in parents. The purpose of this research was to identify interventions used by…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to explore how staff members describe the sex education curriculum, for students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and staff attitudes toward working with this population, in the Midwest. How staff members describe the sex education curriculum for students, with ID, and how staff describe…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how parents of children diagnosed with DDX3X Syndrome and school professionals serving on special education teams in the United States describe collaboration. The collaborative process was investigated through three sub-questions regarding relationship building, shared values, and…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to seek descriptions from people included in, and excluded from, participating on transition teams for adolescents with intellectual disabilities entering adulthood in New Jersey. The theoretical framework included two theories to support this research. Faludi's Procedural Planning Theory…

In this self-study, I propose a curriculum fragment methodology to work toward a greater understanding of the boundaries (Herdandez-Saca et al., 2023) between special education and disability studies that strengthens both teacher education and disability studies in education (DSE). Specifically, I engage in critical reflection on my teaching…

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…

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…

Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act boosting postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities, only 4% of U.S. institutions offer specialized programs (Arrojas, 2023). A Historically Black Community College in the southeastern United States notably lacks resources for…

The purpose of this dissertation in practice was to increase post-school success by ensuring parental/guardian education and partnerships with post school agencies and programs. Study participants consisted of the parents or guardians of 18-22 year old students with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in the Supportive Transition Exploration…

Families are often the forgotten partners in education and in educational research. It is important to consider input from families regarding their children's education. Their voices are crucial ones that should be heard more often. The research is currently lacking information about families' perceptions about the education of their children with…

Compared to all students with exceptionalities, people with intellectual disabilities (InD) have the poorest outcomes after high school regarding employment rate, advancement in education, and independent living (Hart et al., 2006). "Financial, legislative, and philosophical support for post-secondary education (PSE) programs for individuals…

Texas educational curriculum standards are implemented within all general and special education classrooms. This qualitative phenomenological research study explores the perceptions of 12 high school life school servicing student with an intellectual disability (ID) within a self-contained classroom. This study provides district stakeholders such…

The American Association of Community Colleges has identified diversity, equity, and inclusion as important initiatives in redesigning American community colleges. One area of focus is having accessible resources for students with identified disabilities. However, intellectual disabilities are not as readily observable and often go unnoticed. This…

Despite the pressure special educators are under to ensure that their students with significant cognitive disabilities learn the important skills necessary to live a productive life, the recent educational path in Ohio has been geared towards a standards-based curriculum to prepare them for the state assessment. The purpose of this qualitative…