This qualitative phenomenological study focused on determining and describing teachers' lived experiences in implementing inclusion for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Inclusion as an educational practice entails that special education students are provided access to the general education curriculum. While progress has been noted…

This phenomenological study sought to understand how members of a special education team account for and navigate successes and barriers faced during the planning and implementation of community experiences for students with severe disabilities. The needs and abilities of this population are vast and often difficult to accurately define, and there…

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…

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…

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…

Inclusive research based on collaborative partnership with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has the potential to lead to relevant and meaningful research outcomes. An inclusive research approach is necessary for research endeavors which strive to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental…

African American Students with disabilities have been disproportionately represented in special education under the labels Intellectually Disabled (ID) and Emotionally Disturbed (ED) (Garwood & Carrero, 2022; Skrtic et al., 2021; Green et al., 2021; Artiles, 2019). As a result of these labels, African American students with disabilities have…

This study will examine and analyze the need for inclusive practices through the scope of extracurricular activities and events. The evidence-based practice continues to demonstrate the benefits of including students with disabilities academically with their non-disabled peers, but the inclusion of students with disabilities has not extended into…

There is a growing number of inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs and scholarship in higher education. Providing a spectrum of educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in higher education plays a pivotal role in creating inclusive and meaningful access to postsecondary education.…

History, trends, and data indicate the harm of segregation for persons with significant cognitive disabilities (SCD; Burton & Blatt; 1966; Nielsen, 2013). One school district in the northeastern part of the United States began facilitating systemic change in 2017. This qualitative case study investigated this school district's multi-year…

A qualitative case study approach was employed to explore the perspectives of stakeholders affiliated with an inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in the pacific northwestern United States. Utilizing Artiles' (2009) cultural-historical paradigm, three research…

This research study explored the concept of inclusion at the postsecondary education program (PSE) setting through the perspectives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through a qualitative inquiry. Specifically, this study focused on defining inclusive experiences and making recommendations for increased…

Students with disabilities represent a group of the population subject to "othering" (Kalymon et al., 2010); that is, being set apart from neurotypical students because of their disabilities. Within the realm of instrumental music, this treatment has followed the pattern of prejudice noted by Allport (1954). Band directors have resisted…