The importance of an inclusive alumni network for ensuring effective transitions into employment and future destinations for people with learning disabilities

Abstract

Accessible summary Sometimes people go back to their school to talk to students about the experiences that they have had to help the current learners think about what they would like to do in the future. People with learning disabilities do not often get to talk about their future careers and aspirations, and we think this is unfair. We wanted to find out how older students with learning disabilities could help current students with learning disabilities think about their future. We believe that people with learning disabilities are often left out of careers events, and we think this needs to be changed. We talked to school and college staff about how they thought people with learning disabilities could be better included. AbstractBackgroundResearch has previously been undertaken around the subject of alumni networks, yet it remains to touch upon the inclusivity of these networks, particularly relating to people with learning disabilities. Referring to Law's “Community Interaction Theory”, this study sets out to explore how education providers understand and implement alumni networks and how these networks can be adapted to enhance career and life course aspirations for people with learning disabilities.MethodsThe data collection process was part of a larger, innovative project that set out to address the issue of inclusion in the labour market for people with learning disabilities. Six education providers participated in focus groups. In one special educational needs college two students with learning disabilities also participated.Participants were asked about what alumni means to them, their experiences of engaging alumni and what impact an inclusive alumni network could have on their educational setting.FindingsThe findings show that participants are aware of the importance of creating an inclusive alumni network and recognised the benefits it could bring to their institute and their learners with learning disabilities, but any signs of an alumni network were yet to be implemented.ConclusionThis research contributes to data and debate on the relationship between social inclusion and education for people with learning disabilities. The research demonstrates the impact that an inclusive alumni network could have for young people with learning disabilities and how it could promote confidence and aspirations not only in the young people themselves but the whole community with whom they interact. It initiates a discussion about the importance of an inclusive alumni network in education to further support people with learning disabilities to take part in society and be reciprocally active in its spaces.