Teaching Note—Description and Preliminary Evaluation of a Modified College Experience for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Peer Perspectives Within the Inclusive Postsecondary Education Movement: A Systematic Review

“…Thirteen studies included peers who described their relationships with students in the IPSE as a “friend” or a “friendship” (Bauer & Harlin, 2016; Carey, 2019; Carroll et al, 2009; Casale-Giannola & Kamens, 2006; Gibbons et al, 2018; Griffin et al, 2016; Hamill, 2003; Manikas et al, 2018; Marder et al, 2017; Prohn, 2014; Remis et al, 2017; Rillotta et al, 2020; Wilt & Morningstar, 2020). Among peers involved in formal experiences, several studies included peers who reported their mentor roles grew into friendships over time (Griffin et al, 2016; Remis et al, 2017; Wilt & Morningstar, 2020). One peer in Griffin et al discussed this when noting, “Starting out it might be like a mentor role, but evolving more into a friendship because it’s more about those connections and those relationships and not at all about what I’m doing” (p. 80).…”

“…The impact on peers’ future careers was highlighted in 13 studies (e.g., Bauer & Harlin, 2016; Izzo & Shuman, 2013; Lewis, 2017; Remis et al, 2017; Sowell & Maddox, 2015; Wilt & Morningstar, 2020). In several studies, peers were pursuing a career in education and the preparation they received was identified as influential.…”

“…For other peers, the experience shifted their career trajectories or academic majors in some way (e.g., Remis et al, 2017). More than three quarters (77.8%) of academic coaches surveyed by Lewis (2017) agreed or strongly agreed that their formal experience made them “rethink their future career interests” (p. 27).…”

“…More than three quarters (77.8%) of academic coaches surveyed by Lewis (2017) agreed or strongly agreed that their formal experience made them “rethink their future career interests” (p. 27). The experiences made one peer partner in Remis et al (2017) want to pursue a career assisting individuals with intellectual disability. Likewise, a peer in Sowell and Maddox (2015) shared, “I mean [being a mentor] completely changed my direction.…”

“…It was a learning experience for everyone” (p. 274). Views of students’ capabilities to be independent were also affected positively (Bauer & Harlin, 2016; Carey, 2019; Remis et al, 2017; Wilt & Morningstar, 2020).…”