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

ABSTRACT

This article describes the implementation and preliminary evaluation of a modified college experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at a small liberal arts college. To increase social work students’ interest in working with this population and access of people with IDD to higher education, Bridges to Skidmore was founded in 2010 as a low-cost method for providing cooperative learning opportunities for students and individuals with IDD. Preliminary evaluation reveals that participation can change students’ attitudes toward those with IDD, which may increase their intention to work with this population in the future. The program has created an enriching experience for the college students, lecturing professors, and adults with IDD, and can be easily replicated on other campuses.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kimberly Remis

Kimberly Remis is a 2011 graduate, Crystal Dea Moore is Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Social Work, Julia Pichardo is a 2011 graduate, and Zuliany Rosario is a 2011 graduate from Skidmore College. Jeffrey Palmer Moore is Director of Information Systems at Saratoga Bridges.

Crystal Dea Moore

Kimberly Remis is a 2011 graduate, Crystal Dea Moore is Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Social Work, Julia Pichardo is a 2011 graduate, and Zuliany Rosario is a 2011 graduate from Skidmore College. Jeffrey Palmer Moore is Director of Information Systems at Saratoga Bridges.

Julia Pichardo

Kimberly Remis is a 2011 graduate, Crystal Dea Moore is Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Social Work, Julia Pichardo is a 2011 graduate, and Zuliany Rosario is a 2011 graduate from Skidmore College. Jeffrey Palmer Moore is Director of Information Systems at Saratoga Bridges.

Zuliany Rosario

Kimberly Remis is a 2011 graduate, Crystal Dea Moore is Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Social Work, Julia Pichardo is a 2011 graduate, and Zuliany Rosario is a 2011 graduate from Skidmore College. Jeffrey Palmer Moore is Director of Information Systems at Saratoga Bridges.

Jeffrey Palmer Moore

Kimberly Remis is a 2011 graduate, Crystal Dea Moore is Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Social Work, Julia Pichardo is a 2011 graduate, and Zuliany Rosario is a 2011 graduate from Skidmore College. Jeffrey Palmer Moore is Director of Information Systems at Saratoga Bridges.