Postsecondary and Employment Expectations of Families and Students with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

A survey was administered to assess overall expectations of administrators, teachers, families, and students with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disabilities (ID) ranging in age from 14 to 21. Survey questions assessed expectations regarding paid jobs after school, wages, obtaining a regular high school diploma, getting a driverâs license, living away from home, and attending postsecondary education. The survey was completed online or returned by mail. A total of 2,015 surveys were sent to four school districts with a 33.6% (n=677) response rate. This survey analysis focused more specifically on student and family expectations. Major findings indicated student expectations were higher than family expectations especially in postsecondary education.