This community assessment was carried out in collaboration with The DREAM Partnership, Cumberland/Perry IDD Program, Dauphin County IDD Program, and the Department of Social Work & Gerontology at Shippensburg University

Background This needs assessment was conducted by Social Work students and faculty of Shippensburg University for the purpose of assisting the Cumberland/Perry and Dauphin County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Agencies and the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership Board of Directors in determining the interest level of area individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD) and their families in postsecondary educational opportunities. Postsecondary education (PSE) terminology

D.R.E.A.M. Partnership Dreams Realized through Educational Aspiration Model Formed by parents and professionals To provide postsecondary education (PSE) opportunities to students with IDD to increase competitive employment and promote independent living in Central Pennsylvania.

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) arise from physical, genetic, and social factors and affect 1-3% of Americans (Arc, 2013). IDD is characterized by –sub-average intellectual functioning –limitations in adaptive functioning skills –onset prior to age 18 (Arc, 2013) Research shows individuals with IDD who obtain postsecondary education (PSE) have greater opportunities for competitive employment (DREAM, 2012).

Research Design

Qualitative Research Parent/Guardian Focus Groups Student Focus Groups Quantitative Research Family Survey Interviews with Students Two Types of Data Collection

Qualitative Research Parent/Guardian Focus Groups Student Focus Groups Two Types of Data Collection 7 focus groups were held during the last week in February. The script and questions were developed by Shippensburg Faculty, county offices of Cumberland/Perry IDD and Dauphin IDD, and the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership. Informed consent and assent forms were signed by Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students. The qualitative information gathered during the focus groups was recorded and transcribed.

Participants Dauphin County 209 flyers sent to individuals living in Dauphin County. Cumberland County 174 flyers sent to individuals living in Cumberland and Perry Counties. An additional 630 flyers were sent to the 22 school districts in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties. Those in attendance were split into two groups: potential post- secondary education students and parents/guardians/support staff.**

Quantitative Research Family Survey Interviews with Students Two Types of Data Collection Results of the focus groups guided development of two questionnaires. Self-administered surveys were mailed to households. Student surveys were completed during face-to-face interviews. Questions evaluated barriers or challenges regarding: college curriculum independent living skills socialization in commuter and residential college settings.

Family Participants Dauphin County 209 surveys sent to the households of individuals living in Dauphin County. Cumberland County 174 surveys sent to the households of individuals living in Cumberland and Perry Counties. Surveys were sent to all households that had an individual aged registered with the Cumberland/Perry and Dauphin agencies. Of the 383 surveys mailed, approximately 15% (57) surveys were returned.

Student Participants Dauphin County The agency contacted individuals on their caseload between the ages of 16-21, that had previously expressed an interest in PSE in their Individual Support Plans or Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS). Five were scheduled from Dauphin County. Cumberland County A list of all individuals between the ages of on the caseload was collected. Random number generation was used to select names. 39 individuals were contacted from the Cumberland/Perry list with five scheduled from Cumberland County.

Both surveys used a Likert Scale with a rating of 1-5. Analysis was done using Excel. Research questions were then grouped by similar themes and analyzed to create charts and tables of data. Survey Data

Results

“She [student] can do a lot on her own, but she would need to touch base with someone for reassurance and guidance.” “I think now a lot of these dorms are co-ed and that would not work at all. For those kids with intellectual disabilities, that’s not good.” “…our children are used to individualized education, so when you go to college, that’s not really individualized, you have to fit in.” “…I don’t think he could succeed in going to a class that has 100 kids in it. You know he needs to go to a class that has five or six and that they aren’t gonna bother him…” Focus Groups of Parents/Guardians/Staff

“I had a student, she actually helped me with just getting my work done because it just wasn’t happening.” “Your grades and the homework in college is hard.” “First, trying to find your way around everything and second, is meeting people and teachers. You know their personalities and the social life.” “…it was happening more than once a week and people I was in class with did not care to know me, did not care to want know me and they knew I was weak and knew I couldn’t defend myself as well as I probably could know they would take advantage of it.” Focus Groups of Students

Of the 383 mailed, approximately 15% (57) questionnaires were returned. 27 from Cumberland, 17 from Dauphin, 3 from Perry, 10 County not identified 10 (17.5%) stated they or their children had no interest in PSE. Of the remaining questionnaires, 57% of parents indicated that their child showed interest in going to college and that they were interested in PSE for their child. Family Questionnaires

Parents identified obtaining competitive employment as a primary goal for PSE. Object 1: Curriculum Focus for PSE Note. Numbers represent answers based on Likert Scale (5-Strongly Agree, 4-Agree, 3-Unsure, 2-Disagree, 1-Strongly Disagree). There were no responses tallied 5 – Strongly Agree. Percentages based on responses of Strongly Agree/Agree.

Table 2: Supports Needed *Average answers based on Likert Scale (5-Strongly Agree, 4-Agree, 3-Unsure, 2-Disagree, 1-Strongly Disagree) Parents agreed that their students would need: –Additional support –An identified mentor and/or a specialized resident assistant QuestionAverage* Standard Deviation Strongly Agree/Agree Arriving to classes on time % Navigating the campus % Academic activities (i.e. homework) %

Table 1: Daily Safety * Average answers based on Likert Scale (5-Strongly Agree, 4-Agree, 3-Unsure, 2-Disagree, 1-Strongly Disagree) Percentages based on answers of Strongly Agree/Agree Parents disagreed that their student could: –Make decisions about daily living without oversight –Be able to manage their medical situation –Structure out of class time safely QuestionAverage Standard Deviation Strongly Agree/Agree Make decisions about daily living without oversight % Manage their medical situation % Structure out-of-class time safely % Child would benefit from safety awareness programs %

7 face-to-face interviews with students with IDD. 71% thought about going to college and are interested in college. 86% agreed they would like help with their class work. 100% agreed it would be easier for them with the help of another student. 100% agreed that meeting their professors or teachers prior to starting class would be helpful. Student Questionnaires

Table 3: Social Interests *Average answers based on Likert Scale (5-Strongly Agree, 4-Agree, 3-Unsure, 2-Disagree, 1-Strongly Disagree) Percentages based on answers of Strongly Agree/Agree QuestionAverage Standard Deviation Strongly Agree/Agree Excited to meet new people % Nervous to meet new people % Interested in joining a club % Interested in participating in sports % Working and attending school %

QuestionAverage* Standard Deviation Strongly Agree/Agree I think I would be safe at college % Thoughts of getting bullied at college % Table 4 Bullying and Safety

57% agreed they would like to live in the dorms and 83% identified they would like to have a roommate. 100% agreed they thought college would help them find a better job and learn to live independently.

Table 4: Everyday Abilities *Average answers based on Likert Scale (5-Strongly Agree, 4-Agree, 3-Unsure, 2-Disagree, 1-Strongly Disagree) Percentages based on answers of Strongly Agree/Agree 57% of respondents agreed they could manage time, do their own laundry, and cook for themselves. 29% agreed that they could meet homework deadlines on their own. Few (14%) felt they could manage their money. QuestionAverage Standard Deviation Strongly Agree/Agree I can manage my time % I can meet homework deadlines % I can manage my money % I can do my own laundry % I can cook for myself %

Discussion and Recommendation

Many families expressed little to no prior knowledge regarding PSE for individuals with IDD. Over half of participants reported interest. Students and parents differ on preference for commuting and on- campus living. Students are not currently receiving preparation geared toward success in PSE. Overview

Obtaining competitive employment Preparation for PSE Mentoring Type of program Integrated Support Model Identified Areas of Focus

Work study/internship Enrollment in classes that are relevant to job interests Competitive Employment

Trepidation was expressed regarding the current level of preparation. Address student and family concerns for safety, socialization, and program success. Facilitate the transition from the structured environment of high school to the less structured college experience. Preparation/Transition

This model combines a genuine college experience with several key features. Individualized College Plans (ICP) are created and modified based on student goals and needs with input from families, schools, and relevant helping agencies. Inclusive/Integrated Support Model

Peer mentoring should be a vital component providing benefits to the students and additional peace of mind for parents. –Navigating campus –Help with homework and daily activities –Introduction to clubs and sports –Familiarity with dining facilities –Time-management –Routine safety precautions –Issues with other students Peer Mentoring

Parents consistently showed concern and apprehension about dorm living. Research indicates that programs with on campus dormitory components increase independence and social skills for students with IDD. Transportation is a serious barrier to PSE. Commuter vs. Campus Living

Research Strengths

Research included families and individuals across Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties. Qualitative and quantitative data. Direct interaction with students. New communication between students and parents/guardians/staff about the opportunity for PSE. Identified areas of focus provide opportunity.

Limitations

Relatively low response rate. Limits the generalizability of the findings. Difference in the selection process of students and families in Dauphin and Cumberland/Perry Counties for the face-to-face interviews. More time for response to focus group flyers may have increased participation; more face- to- face student questionnaires would have benefited the data collection.

Conclusions

PSE enhances opportunities for competitive employment and personal growth. Individuals and families require more information about the possibilities to make informed decisions. Lack of supportive living and transportation are barriers. On-going life skills, money management, and emotional support components are suggested to improve outcomes.

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For information, contact: –D.R.E.A.M Partnership, dreampartnership.org –Executive Director, Sherri Landis, –Cumberland/Perry Co. IDD, Sue Carbaugh, –Dauphin Co. IDD, Shirley Keith Knox, –Principal investigator of the project through Shippensburg University, Department of Social Work & Gerontology, Question & Answers