Transitional Services for Youth With Developmental Disabilities Living in College Dorms

• Published in: Research on social work practice Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 434 - 445
• Main Authors: Kirkendall, Abbie, Doueck, Howard J., Saladino, Albert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.07.2009; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: At risk youth; College Housing; Daily Living Skills; Developmental Disabilities; Dormitories; Impact analysis; Independent Living; Institutional Cooperation; Interviews; Mental Retardation; New York; Program Effectiveness; Qualitative research; Residential Programs; Summer Programs; Transitional Programs; Transitions; Young Adults; New York; developmental disabilities; agency—college partnership; transitional services
• ISSN: 1049-7315; 1552-7581
• DOI: 10.1177/1049731508318734

This study evaluates the impact of a college-based dormitory program on transitioning youth with intellectual disabilities. A qualitative study, with interviews at pre and post, was conducted to evaluate the program's impact. Data were collected with semistructured interviews from young adults with intellectual disabilities who participated in a college-based residential program and their parents or guardians. Three general themes emerged from the data: Participants reported experiences that were (a) typical of normative life transitions, (b) typical of growing pains associated with significant life transitions and learning new skills, and (c) one step forward. Results indicate that the experience of living away from home for the first time was in some ways comparable to that of a typical college student. Improvement in life skills, including increased awareness of personal goals, enhanced vocational goals, increased maturity or assertiveness, was reported. Respondents were generally satisfied with the program.