Perception of Work or Community Participation by Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities following Planning for Autism Curriculum Implementation

This capstone experience was completed to examine the effects of a program targeting self-awareness, self-care, and self-advocacy on the perception of work or community participation activities by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Historically minority groups, including those with IDD have faced disparities within the community and workplace. Adults with IDD continue to display decreased employment and community participation activities compared to their neurotypical counterparts. The purpose of the program explored was to continue to decrease the disparities displayed by the target population and support their community and employment endeavors following their high school education. The program consisted of a 6-week program with 8 participants, implementing curriculum material covering self-awareness, self-care, and self-advocacy. Outcome measures were utilized to assess the perceived effects of the program by the participants. The outcome measures indicated improvements in their perceptions of community and work participation activities. Further research is needed to assess the long term effects of the program.