Experiences of mentoring university students with an intellectual disability as part of a practicum placement

ABSTRACT

Benefits of peer mentoring include learning to collaborate , developing relationships, skill development and career clarity. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of undergraduate university students mentoring a person with intellectual disability as part of their university practicum placement. Using a qualitative approach, peer mentors (N=11) were asked to reflect on their Up the Hill Project experience, at an Australian program supporting inclusion of adults with intellectual disability at university. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed four key themes: career development and learning; enabling positive outcomes; being a mentor; and barriers and challenges. Mentors reported a positive experience related to professional learning and development. The mentoring experience was strengthened by effective support structures and the reciprocity of the mentor-mentee relationship. Findings suggest that mentoring as part of a university practicum can be a positive, worthwhile learning experience, particularly regarding professional development for future employment in the disability field.

KEYWORDS:

• Peer mentoring
• higher education
• practicum placement
• intellectual disability
• inclusion
• professional learning

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Coordinator of the Up the Hill Project Flinders University, Jenny Widdop, for her contribution to the mentoring program, and the student mentors involved in the UTHP for their willingness to be interviewed and share their lived experiences to this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fiona Rillotta

Dr Fiona Rillotta is a Senior Lecturer in Disability and Community Inclusion in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University. She has a PhD in Psychology, and Bachelor of Social Science (Honours). Fiona was awarded Impact Seed Funding for Early Career Researchers (2019), the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017), and the Australasian Research Prize (2007)- most innovative contribution resulting in positive life changes. Fiona’s research includes: inclusive university for people with intellectual disability (ID); enhancing social networks of adults with ID; family quality of life; and attitudes towards ID. Fiona has been working with people with disabilities in various settings for 20+ years, including: supporting inclusion of people with ID at university and in the community; self-advocacy training; program evaluation; and disability awareness. Fiona is involved with the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD).

Charlotte Gobec

Charlotte Gobec is a qualified Developmental Educator, completing the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education (Honours) in 2019. She is also studying a nursing degree. Charlotte has been a Casual Academic and Research Assistant in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University. Her educational pathway and experience of being employed in the disability sector have shaped Charlotte’s interest and passion for research and development, with particular interests in supporting access and opportunities in higher education for adults with disability. Charlotte has had opportunity to support several research projects, more recently those involving co-researchers with intellectual disability. She has an interest in working in collaboration with people with disability, to ensure voices of those who have typically been the subject of research, to be involved in the process.

Cassandra Gibson-Pope

Dr Cassandra Gibson-Pope is an Academic in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University, she has a PhD in Social Sciences, a Master’s degree (2013), a Bachelor of Applied Science Disability Studies (Hons) (1997), and over 20 years’ experience working across the local government, community services, university, registered training organisation sectors. She also has experience as a Research Assistant in Disability and Community Inclusion. Her passion is to support community development, social inclusion initiatives and increasing accessibility. Dedicated to developing and supporting leaders, graduates and trainees, Cassandra is skilled at building relationships with individuals, communities, and organisations to achieve positive outcomes. She is a passionate advocate for people with disability and new arrivals to Australia and is committed to creating great places for people to live, work and connect.