How People With an Intellectual Disability Experience Inclusive Third-Level Education: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Third-level education is a relatively new opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities. The development of third-level educational opportunities for this population rests on understanding their experiences and suggestions for programme development and improvement. The aim of this study is to establish how inclusive third-level education is experienced by people with intellectual disabilities. Method: A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework of peer-reviewed empirical research published between 2002 and 2023 that reported on the experience of third-level education for people with intellectual disabilities. Findings: People with intellectual disabilities are engaging in third-level education courses within University Campuses. They consider such programmes as opportunities to meet aspirations and to enable independent living especially through employment. Their experiences are influenced by supportive staff, initiatives and challenges and they have opinions on how to improve third-level programmes. Conclusions: People with intellectual disabilities value and embrace the opportunities to engage in third-level education. Their experience is mixed with positive personal outcomes and challenges. Future research is needed to examine effective approaches to overcoming challenges and finding ways to develop programmes that meet the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities.