Employers’ Perspectives on Ohio’s Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Employer Perspectives on Inclusive Postsecondary Programs

Authors

  • Diane Weinbrandt University of Cincinnati
  • Amy Shuman The Ohio State University
  • Shannon Ott University of Cincinnati
  • Makenna Riter-Rowland University of Cincinnati
  • Eric Anderson The Ohio State University
  • Andrew Buck The Ohio State University
  • Jessie Green The Ohio State University
  • Margo Izzo The Ohio State University
  • Savannah Stark University of Cincinnati

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/jipe.2023.3142

Keywords:

employers; intellectual and/or developmental disability; inclusive postsecondary programs; self-advocacy; work-based learning

Abstract

As postsecondary programs grow for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (SwIDD), there is an increased focus on program evaluation and effectiveness, specifically related to impact on employment outcomes.  Ohio’s Statewide Consortium (OSC) of postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities  interviewed seventeen current employer partners to determine to what degree they perceive OSC programs demonstrate quality indicators, as outlined in the eight Think College Standards for Inclusive Higher Education (TCSIHE).  Results indicate OSC programs are providing high-quality, positive work-based learning experiences for SwIDD and their employer partners that align to TCSIHE.  Key components of quality partnerships are highlighted as well as aspects of work-based learning experiences critical to skill development for SwIDD, and barriers to post-graduation employment outcomes.

Author Biographies

Amy Shuman, The Ohio State University

Professor, Department of English

Shannon Ott, University of Cincinnati

Graduate student/Research Assistant, School of Psychology

Makenna Riter-Rowland, University of Cincinnati

Graduate student/Research Assistant, Speech-Language Pathology

Eric Anderson, The Ohio State University

Doctoral Candidate, Reading Clinic/Student Teacher Supervisor, Educational Studies- Special Education

Andrew Buck, The Ohio State University

Learning and Development Consultant, Transition Services/Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

Jessie Green, The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center

Director, Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (TOPS)

Margo Izzo, The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, Professor Emeritus

Savannah Stark, University of Cincinnati

PhD Student/Research Assistant, Educational Studies

Downloads

Published

2023-02-10

How to Cite

Weinbrandt, D., Amy Shuman, Shannon Ott, Makenna Riter-Rowland, Eric Anderson, Andrew Buck, … Savannah Stark. (2023). Employers’ Perspectives on Ohio’s Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Employer Perspectives on Inclusive Postsecondary Programs. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.13021/jipe.2023.3142