Improving Employee Handbook Comprehension for College Students with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Independent access to text is important to employment and critical for postsecondary success; however, literacy deficits make access to text challenging for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Limited access to employment policies and procedures leaves individuals at a disadvantage. This study examines the text comprehension of employee policies and procedures for four college students with ID through a universally designed employee handbook, graphic organizers, and systematic instruction. Results indicate that participants improved in text comprehension and independent navigation of accessibility functions in iPads®, an important skill in a technology-based culture. Recommendations and implications for practice and further research are also discussed.

Keywords

• postsecondary education
• intellectual disability
• shared stories
• technology
• employability skills