We tested whether social and educational integration combined with training in awareness of disability for secondary school students resulted in more positive, long-lasting attitudes about educational and social inclusion of people with an intellectual disability. Attitudes of 259 participants (116 males, 143 females) were assessed by questionnaire. Effects of awareness of disability programs (ADPs) were tested by comparing attitudes of current secondary school students participating in a 3-session or 8-session ADP (n = 67) and past students who had participated in a 10-session ADP 8 years prior to the present study (n = 46), with same-age controls without training (n = 146). Students completing 8-session ADPs reported more favourable attitudes than students in the 3-session ADP and peers without training. Past students' attitudes were also highly positive, compared with same-age controls without training. ADP programs can promote positive attitudes towards people with an intellectual disability. Such training may have long-term benefits.
1 September 2019 in Journal of Diversity in Higher Education
Inclusive post-secondary education (PSE) delivers positive personal, social and academic outcomes. However, there is limited support for students with intellectual disability (ID) to participate in higher education, particularly in Australia. This study investigated the expectations and experiences of students with ID in an inclusive individual support PSE programme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students (n = 4) and peer mentors (n = 6) at the beginning and end of one academic semester. Participants were asked about inclusive practices, goal attainment, mentoring experiences and skill development. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Four major themes and several subthemes were identified: self-determination (e.g. self-confidence), social development (e.g. social networks), intellectual development (e.g. subject knowledge) and inclusive practices. The results emphasized the value of inclusive PSE for students with ID. Recommendations regarding future practices of inclusive PSE for people with ID are provided.
20 April 2011 in Journal of Intellectual Disability Research