Post-Secondary Education
Comparing the Transition Planning, Postsecondary Education, and Employment Outcomes of Students With Intellectual and Other Disabilities
This article describes a secondary analysis of variables from the National Longitudinal Transition Survey 2 (NLTS-2) database. Specifically, students with intellectual disability (ID) were compared to students with other disabilities regarding post-school transition goals listed on their Individualized Education Programs/Transition Plans, contacts/referrals made to outside agencies during transition planning, the participation of other agencies/organizations in transition planning (e.g., vocational rehabilitation and higher education representatives), and students’ postsecondary education and employment outcomes. Students with ID were less likely to have postsecondary education or competitive employment goals and outcomes and more likely to have sheltered and supported employment goals and outcomes compared to students with other disabilities. Contacts with and participation of external professionals in IEP/Transition Plan meetings also differed between the two groups of students.
Grigal, M., Hart, D., & Migliore, A. “Comparing the Transition Planning, Postsecondary Education, and Employment Outcomes of Students With Intellectual and Other Disabilities.” Career Development for Exceptional Individuals 34, no. 1 (May 2011): 4–17.
Call to Action for the Texas Educator
Never let a label define access to services. To learn more, see the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) Effective Practices and Predictors Matrix
Addressing the policy tangle: students with intellectual disability and the path to postsecondary education, employment and community living
This report examines issues regarding the needed alignment of services and collaboration among agencies and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to achieve the goal of supporting youth with intellectual disability (ID) to obtain increased academic learning, independent living, and competitive integrated employment through participation in postsecondary education. The report identifies and recommends addressing barriers to student participation in higher education programs for students with intellectual disability that are the result of a lack of alignment in the implementation of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Lee, S., Rozell, D., & Will, M. Addressing the policy tangle: students with intellectual disability and the path to postsecondary education, employment and community living. (Washington, DC: Inclusive Higher Education Committee, 2018).
Call to Action for the Texas Educator
Meet with the ADA counselor at your local college/university to discuss available options for your students. Discuss this research and look for ways to collaborate.
Positive outcomes for students with intellectual disability attending college: Why Medicaid waivers should provide support
Given the positive outcomes of postsecondary education (PSE) that are possible for individuals with ID, more states should consider allowing Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver participants the option to use waiver support to participate in PSE. Using HCBS waivers could greatly improve their likelihood of employment, as well as opportunities to experience greater community inclusion, personal satisfaction, and decreased reliance on publicly provided support services. Students in at least nine states have already used HCBS waivers as a funding source for service and supports while in college. This publication explains how the HCBS waiver can be used for PSE and outlines the benefits.
Parisi, P. & Landau, J. “Positive outcomes for students with intellectual disability attending college: Why Medicaid waivers should provide support.” Think College Insight Brief 43. Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion. 2019.
Call to Action for the Texas Educator
Share this information with student teams: Positive Outcomes for Students with Intellectual Disability Attending College: Why Medicaid Waivers Should Provide Support
