Improving Post-Secondary Outcomes for Students with Developmental Disabilities

Students with developmental disabilities struggle to find productive post-secondary outcomes. In 2019, 19.3 percent of persons with a disability were employed. In contrast, the employment-population ratio for persons without a disability was 66.3 percent. The unemployment rates for both persons with and without a disability declined between 2020 and 2019 to 7.3 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). There is a great deal of work to be done to see equitable outcomes for people with disabilities. Data indicated 27% of students who transitioned from a functional life and vocational skills program were unengaged one year after exiting.

This action research study examined the influence of partnerships with state agencies, connection with families, and professional learning on post-secondary outcomes. The action research team also explored the factors that impact reaching effective outcomes for students with developmental disabilities. Findings were added at the completion of the study.