The effectiveness of college education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Korea

Abstract

As many people begin to understand the necessity of college education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, regular and irregular college programs are expanding. However, research on the effects of college education for them is very scarce. This study attempts to show the effectiveness of college education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Korea and draw implications for more enhanced college operating schemes. This paper uses a quantitative questionnaire survey and qualitative in-depth interviews. The target group for the questionnaire survey was students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while the in-depth interviews were conducted with students and instructional staffs working in colleges for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to the results of the survey and in-depth interviews conducted for this study, most students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are satisfied with their college life. They are having very positive experiences such as improvement of self-confidence, self-esteem, and independent living skills through college education. We come to know that higher education for individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities is effective in many aspects including even their employment prospect and the possibility of their full social integration.