Improving Inclusive Higher Education: Students with Down Syndrome at Stanford?

Catalog description

Students with Down syndrome (DS) have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This impacts many aspects of their lives, including commonly being identified as individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Historically, individuals with DS and other IDDs have been excluded from higher education. However, as our society continues to evolve in inclusivity and equity, organizations like Think College (https://thinkcollege.net/) continue to push our understanding of possibilities. The goal of this IntroSem is to deepen knowledge related to how to successfully include individuals with IDD in college settings and to provide guidance and advocacy to establish a vibrant, impactful, inclusive college program for individuals with DS and IDD at Stanford. We will explore research focused on supporting individuals with IDD as they transition into the post-secondary world-specifically we will focus on effective strategies to support students with IDD in inclusive courses and we will explore and design training, guidance, and coaching for faculty members who teach these courses. You will conduct an independent or small group research project in which you will investigate how one model post-secondary program at an institute of higher education provides support to students and faculty in inclusive courses. This project will involve program review and interviews with students and faculty at successful post-secondary programs. We will complete the quarter by designing training, guidance, and coaching support to guide Stanford's efforts to establish a world-class post-secondary program that will enhance the lives of individuals with DS and IDD. You will be invited to serve on the Stanford Down Syndrome Research Center's Post-Secondary Program Advisory Council following successful completion of the course. Enroll if you are interested in playing a key role in…