Initial Evidence for Personal Development Support for College Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Results from a Satisfaction Survey

Abstract

With the increase in college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) enrolled in inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs, there is a growing call to understand additional support necessary for their mental health and wellness. Our IPSE program developed the personal development (PD) domain to meet the unique mental health and wellness needs of college students with IDD. Our study presents the findings from an annual satisfaction survey of 24 college students with IDD served within our PD domain. Data collected from the survey were analyzed through a convergent mixed methods design. Survey findings suggest promise for the PD domain to support student mental health and wellness, as well as individualized support for the development of independent living skills. Future investigation is needed to document the effectiveness of the PD domain, as well as health and mental health initiatives for college students with IDD in general.