Document Type

Article

Abstract

Within a private university in the United States, BUILD is a two-year program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. BUILD provides inclusive opportunities in coursework, employment, residential, and social activities with traditional students, as well as life skills and career training in courses specific to BUILD students.

This empirical phenomenological research study explored the lived experience of students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in the BUILD program. From interviews with six participants, the themes of social experience, independence, safety, and belonging emerged. The findings of this research indicate that the opportunity-rich environment, a network of support, and a community of belonging contributed to the participants’ growth in self-determination. Therefore, innovative college programs can be used as an intervention to improve or enhance the self-determination of individuals with intellectual disabilities and these findings offer intervention components to consider in designing and implementing future programming.

Department(s)

Ed.D. in K-12 Administration; Special Education (M.A.); College of Adult and Professional Studies

Publication Title

The Journal of the International Association of Special Education

Volume

21

Issue

1

First Page

34

Last Page

45

Publication Date

2021

ISSN

1555-6913

Comments

A Center for Access and Integration Publication that was originally published in the Journal of the International Association of Special Education

Download

Share

COinS