Date of Award
8-2024
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Special Education: M.S.
Department
Special Education
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Brian Valentini
Second Advisor
Bradley Kaffer
Third Advisor
Amy Christensen
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
independent living skills, postsecondary education, intellectual disabilities
Abstract
In a push for inclusion, many postsecondary institutions are looking toward programming that better supports those with disabilities. This includes the addition of programs that teach independent living skills. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act highlighted the importance of transition planning which included looking at independent living skills starting at age 16 (IDEA, 2004). Then in 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act reauthorization encouraged a look at life after high school with an emphasis on postsecondary education. Since 2017, we have seen a large increase in the research surrounding inclusive postsecondary programs (Whirley et al., 2020). This study also highlighted the inconsistency in these programs.
The purpose of this study was to start a discussion around these programs. A survey was sent to 310 program directors (found through the Think College database) to find what skills are consistently being taught in these programs as well as what skills may need more focus. Also, it was designed to measure the attitudes of the program directors themselves on their perspective of their program as well as their knowledge in the field. Results indicated a disconnect between programs with no set curriculum used across programs. Independent living skills taught also varied from program to program. Programs also varied in their access to additional resources including driver’s education, full kitchen access and washer/dryer access. Program directors showed confidence in their ability to understand and teach independent living skills as they are defined in research.
Recommended Citation
Banks, Megan, "Independent Living Skills in Postsecondary Education: Offerings and Director Perspectives" (2024). Culminating Projects in Special Education. 209.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/sped_etds/209