Family Evaluation of Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

During the past decade, numerous postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disability have emerged as have standards to improve the quality of those programs. We used the Think College Standards for Inclusive Higher Education to develop a family survey to evaluate and improve programs. Overall, family responses were positive for most of the standards and indicated that students gained self-advocacy, technology and employment skills. Families indicated that we can improve on two standards: coordination/collaboration with adult services, and career development. Perspectives from families of current and past students provide critical information that enhances the quality of postsecondary programs for students with ID.

Keywords

• Program evaluation
• family survey
• students with intellectual disability
• postsecondary education
• State alliance