Improving Inclusive Higher Ed: Students with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities at Stanford?
Course 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 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 job training, internships, and employment. 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, faculty members, mentors, and future employers. 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 transforming Stanford into a model of high-quality inclusive higher education.
Meet the Instructor: Chris Lemons
“My name is Chris Lemons. I am an associate professor of special education in Stanford’s Graduate School of Education (GSE). I am also the co-director of the Stanford Down Syndrome Research Center. I’m excited to meet you and to see what we can do together to make Stanford a model of inclusive education for students with IDD. My research is primarily focused on improving educational outcomes of children, adolescents, and young adults with learning and intellectual disabilities. Prior to entering academia, I was a special education teacher in public schools providing special education support to preschoolers with autism, elementary students with learning disabilities, and middle school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a researcher, I have received over $20 million in federal funding to support my research. I was recognized by President Obama in 2016 when I received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. At Stanford, I am firmly committed to leading the effort to establish a post-secondary program for young adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am hopeful that you will join this effort by enrolling in this IntroSem. Together, we can change the world.”
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