One of the ways students with an intellectual disability (ID) can reach their fullest potential is by attending an institution of higher education; too few universities and colleges offer programs for these students. There are over 3,000 universities and colleges throughout the United State, yet only 272 of them offer programs for students with an ID (Think College, 2017). Within the identified programs, there is variation in location, length, goals, and methods (Grigal, Hart, & Weir, 2012). This study used an iterative classification process to first identify the programs serving students with ID located on college campuses, then analyze program websites to determine how they increase selfdetermination (SD). Phase 1 of the study used categorical sorting to identify programs that (a) served students with identified intellectual disabilities who had exited the school system; (b) were located on a college campus; (c) were run by a college; and (d) followed a college semester/quarter calendar. Phase 2 involved reviewing the websites for the programs meeting those criteria to identify self-determination activities and classes. In Phase 3 of the study, an online survey was sent to program administrators to verify and expand the description of self-determination activities. Results of this study show college programs for students with ID promote SD through instruction; however, the teaching methods vary from program to program. SD instruction is delivered by staff, peer mentors, and faculty. Programs measure SD outcomes; however, the tools used vary from program to program, and they are not applied systematically. The examination of college program practices and outcomes is central to further program development. Future research is needed to determine long-term independent living and employment outcomes of students with ID who attend college programs. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Adults with developmental disabilities may not learn the safety skills needed to maintain the safety of those within their communities. Basic life-saving skills are valued by community members and increase independent and integrated living and employment opportunities. This study used an instructional package consisting of modeling, task analysis, and simultaneous prompting to teach college students with developmental disabilities a basic life-saving skill, specifically how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Phase 1 of the study used the instructional package to teach the students to perform CPR. Once mastered, Phase 2 of the study taught students to use an AED, incorporating it into the CPR chain. Results showed that the students’ accuracy with the tasks increased after the introduction of the instructional package, generalized to a novel environment, and maintained once the instructional package was removed. Implications and future research are discussed. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Transition from high school to adulthood for students with developmental disabilities is a monumental stage for both the individual and his or her family. Past research has shown that one of the most salient predictors of students’ successful transition is their parents’ involvement with transition planning, however, during this time parent involvement often declines (Grigal & Neubert, 2004). The current study examined parent involvement and knowledge during the transition from high school to adulthood for the parents of young adults with developmental disabilities. Participants included a diverse sample of 55 parents in an urban school district who had youth with special needs between the ages of 14 and 22. The present study examined parental psychosocial factors, demographic factors, parents’ experiences during the transition process, and three dimensions of their educational involvement: school involvement, transition involvement, and transition knowledge. The study found that parent experiences during the transition period (IEP familiarity, perceived teacher invitations, and perceived time and energy) as well as the socio-economics of school neighborhood, were the most salient factors associated with parental involvement and knowledge. The study offers suggestions for future research, policy, and intervention ideas to assist in improving parents’ positive experiences during the transition process. These suggestions aim in increasing parental involvement and knowledge during an important time in their youths’ educational development.

Increasing the independence of students with disabilities involves an in-depth assessment of their inclusion in driver’s education. This study addresses (a) the plight of disabled students within the state of New Jersey who are unable to access driver’s education, despite the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act; (b) the need to evaluate the potential role of health educators in conducting individualized health assessments to determine the readiness, motivation, and self-efficacy of students with disabilities to participate in driver’s education; (c) the perceived benefits and barriers to the participation of students with disabilities in driver’s education including the need for individually tailored accommodations; and (d) whether the goal of driving is appropriate and accessible for students with disabilities. A case-study approach was used in this research to evaluate the innovative practice of school health educators conducting individualized health assessments of current students and some graduates of the study-site university. The school implemented the described innovation during the academic years of 2007-08 and 2008-09. This research was also designed with a mixed-method approach including quantitative data limited to frequencies and percentages and qualitative data collected from student interviews. The findings indicate that the ability of students with disabilities to drive is beneficial to their quality of life. Driving significantly impacts the self-esteem, independence, and personal freedom of this population, as well as their overall freedom to travel.

Orientador: Relma Urel Carbone Carneiro / Banca: Cristina Cinto Araujo Pedroso / Banca: Jose Luis Bizelli / Resumo: Esta pesquisa apresenta um estudo sobre a concepção dos docentes quanto à inclusão de pessoas com deficiência na Educação Superior e sua ação pedagógica. O Brasil, a exemplo de muitos outros países, tem uma dívida histórica relativa à exclusão e segregação desses sujeitos; no entanto, paulatinamente, seus direitos estão sendo efetivados, porém, ainda mais referentes à Educação Básica. Atualmente, por meio de políticas e do avanço da escolarização desses indivíduos, objetiva-se envolver de forma mais efetiva a Educação Superior. Assim, esta pesquisa teve como propósito verificar como os docentes universitários concebem sua atuação com estudantes com deficiência e, para tal finalidade, utiliza-se da abordagem qualitativa, caracterizada principalmente por poder ela criar dados descritivos que permitam observar o modo de pensar dos participantes. O procedimento metodológico foi o Estudo de Caso, considerando a atuação de docentes com estudantes com deficiência de uma instituição particular de Educação Superior do estado de São Paulo, sendo estas, as particulares, as instituições que têm mais matrículas de estudantes com deficiência na Educação Superior. Com esse estudo foi possível dar voz aos docentes por meio de uma entrevista face a face, cujo roteiro compunha-se de questões abertas e fechadas. A análise de dados deu-se mediante a análise de conteúdo tendo em vista os propósitos da pesquisa qualitativa. Após a transcrição de suas falas, foram construídas categorias de análise ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This research presents a study on the professors' views regarding the inclusion of people with disabilities in Higher Education and their pedagogical action. Brazil, like many other countries, has a historical debt based on the exclusion and segregation of these individuals, however, gradually, their rights are being implemented, but mainly related to the Basic Education system. Currently, based on policies and the advancement of the schooling of these individuals, it is aimed to involve more effectively also the Higher Education system. Thus, this research had the objective of verifying the conception of university professors about the work with students with disabilities and for that, the qualitative approach is used, being characterized primarily by the possibility of creating descriptive data that allows observing the way of thinking of the participants. The methodological procedure was the Case Study, involving professors working with students with disabilities from a private higher education institution in the state of São Paulo, since enrollments of students with disabilities in higher education were higher in private institutions. With this study it was possible to give voice to the professors through a face-to-face interview, which had in its script open and closed questions. Data analysis was done through content analysis considering the purposes of the qualitative research. After the transcription of theirs interviews, categories of analysis that allowed the discus... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

This presentation highlights teachers', who were chosen for an Office of Special Education Programs Teacher preparation grant, experiences in implementing evidence based practices. Specifically, the presenters share their experiences of applying evidence based practices in their classrooms with the goal to increase inclusion for students with significant disabilities. The presenters will share the strategies that they have found most successful and discuss how to implement these strategies to promote inclusion. Learning Objectives: 1) Be able to identify 3-5 evidence based practices that address a variety of learning needs of students with significant disabilities. 2) Generate 2-3 ideas to increase inclusive practices by implementing evidence based practices for people with significant disabilities. 3) Share their own experiences in implementing evidence based practices in the classroom to improve inclusive practices for persons with significant disabilities. To do this, the presenters, who are teachers selected as part of an OSEP funded teacher preparation grant, will discuss how they have applied their knowledge of evidenced based practices to improve the inclusive practices for persons with significant disabilities at their schools. Under the guidance of their faculty mentors, several teachers will provide information about a variety of evidence based practices, how they implemented the practices within their school setting (pre-k to 21) and any obstacles they faced as well as how they overcame each obstacle. Topics may include the following: (a) self-determination, (b) family involvement, (c) person centered planning, (d) teaching academic skills (e) positive behavioral supports, and (f) data based decision making (Browder, Wakeman, et al., 2007; Jimenez, Mims, Browder, 2012; McDonnell; Copeland, 2011; Westling & Fox, 2009; Wood, Fowler, Uphold, Test, 2005). The presenters will also share the outcomes of their implementation of strategies. This session is unique as it encourages engagement between attendees and several practitioners with demonstrated leadership skills who are passionate about increasing evidenced based inclusive practices to promote change within their school setting for students with significant disabilities. The teachers who will be presenting work with students from culturally, linguistically and economically diverse backgrounds. Individualized attendee needs will be considered throughout the presentation to ensure full participation by all. Information will be presented through visual and auditory means.

Increasingly, technology has been used to provide access to academic curricula for students with moderate to severe intellectual disability. In the current pilot study, we used a multiple probe across participants design to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-based instructional package on the opinion writing skills of three middle school students with moderate and severe intellectual disability. Findings suggest that the intervention resulted in improved performance across all three participants and that all participants maintained performance at levels greater than baseline. Limitations and implications for practice and future research are discussed.

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A Survival Guide for New Special Educators provides relevant, practical information for new special education teachers across a broad range of topic areas. Drawing on the latest research on special educator effectiveness and retention, this comprehensive, go-to resource addresses the most pressing needs of novice instructors, resource teachers, and inclusion specialists. Offers research-based, classroom-tested strategies for working with a variety of special needs students Covers everything from preparing for the new school year to behavior management, customizing curriculum, creating effective IEPs, and more Billingsley and Brownell are noted experts in special educator training and support This highly practical book is filled with checklists, forms, and tools that special educators can use every day to help ensure that all special needs students get the rich, rewarding education they deserve.