An Interdisciplinary Approach to Supporting the Personal Development of College Students With an Intellectual Disability

Abstract

High-quality inclusive postsecondary education programs strive for authentic inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Typicality for students and enhanced integration into the larger institution of higher education are guiding principles outlined in recently developed, national model standards. With these novel and inclusive opportunities, students often need support to navigate and troubleshoot the myriad situations that may arise as a result of this level of inclusion on a college campus. Inclusive college programs typically provide support in academic, employment, and independent living domains but often neglect building skills encapsulated under “personal development.” This paper describes a unique personal development model of support with aligned theoretical underpinnings and interdisciplinary practices derived from social work, counselor education, and education fields.