Benefits and Types of Post- Secondary Programs
for Students With Disabilities
A Literature Review
Kelsi Anderson and Sierra Denholm with Faculty Advisor Dr. Jessica Hall-Wirth
Introduction

Types of Teaching Models of Post-Secondary Education

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
(2022), individuals with disabilities have an
unemployment rate of roughly 9.7%. A way to
help lower this rate is to provide opportunities
for these individuals to attend post-secondary
programs. These post-secondary programs help
individuals with disabilities with many life skills
including social, academic, independent living,
and employment. With acquisition of these
skills, individuals with disabilities experience a
higher quality of life than those who do not participate in post-secondary programs. There are
multiple types of post-secondary programs and
models that are known to meet the needs of individuals. Each of these types of programs and
models have different goals. There are great
benefits with post-secondary programs for individuals with disabilities.

1.

Substantially Separate model —Students within the program are kept mostly separate from General Education students. They are
allowed to attend social events but the program itself is not inclusive. It is focused primarily on life skills and training with the opportunity to gain work experience.

2.

Inclusive Individual Model—Students receive instruction alongside students without disabilities. Most individualized instruction
revolves around academic needs.

3. Mixed Hybrid Model—This model is a mix of the Substantially Separate Model and Inclusive Individual Model. Students will

sometimes participate in activities and instruction that does involve students without disabilities, however, they will also learn and
participate in activities within a segregated environment.

TPSIDS—Transition and Post-

Secondary Education Programs for
Students with Intellectual Disabilities
TPSIDS aim to provide students with
support and services for academic and
social inclusions.

Benefits of Post-Secondary Programs
Post-Secondary programs offer a multitude of
benefits for students that participate in them, the
main goal of which is to increase quality of
living and encourage self-sufficiency and independent living. For these programs to be successful, they must consist of four components
(social, academic, independent living and
employment). To satisfy these components,
students will experience periods of instruction,
but will also have access to related services and
be encouraged to participate in community experiences. These programs typically
acknowledge student strengths and interests and
adapt their content accordingly. After completion of the program, students will not only have
received an education, but will also be working
to achieve self-determination.

Correlation Between Post-Secondary Programs and Employment Rates
According to the Former Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitation Madaline Will, only 15% of adults
with disabilities have attended some form of postsecondary program. The fact that 90% percent of adults
with intellectual disabilities are unemployed is the result
of the low attendance rate of these individuals. Because of the correlation between unemployment rates
and post-secondary education program attendance, the
lack of attendance also influences the amount of adults
with intellectual disabilities who are able to live on their
own.

1.

Transition programs/ services

2.

Post-Secondary Education

3.

Vocational Education

4.

Integrated Employment

5.

Continuing Adult Education

6.

Inclusive Academic Classes

7.

Adult Services

8.

Independent Living

9.

Community Participation

Conclusion
Post-Secondary Programs for
students with disabilities are
crucial in ensuring a higher quality of life. Post-Secondary Programs coincide with higher levels or employment rates and
therefore higher levels of independence and self-determination.
Many different program options
exist to help students meet their
individual goals. It is important
to offer a wide range of these
programs in order to ensure students have access to the resources which will aid them in
reaching their full potential.

10. External Experiences (i.e. Special
Olympics)

References are available upon request