Involving end-users in the design of a digital platform for Including People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Higher Education and Employment: Preliminary findings

Abstract

Although the inclusion of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is a current issue, it is still something that faces many challenges, since not all the population understands this need and not all institutions are prepared to welcome them. Therefore, it is essential to understand the needs of individuals with IDD when they wish to enter the Higher Education Institution or the job market, as well as access to digital platforms. Designing such a platform is considered a challenge, in this sense, it becomes crucial to involve end-users in this process. This paper portrays the experience of involving People with IDD, as well as other stakeholders, in gathering requirements and design for the prototype of a digital platform "Hilives". A digital resource that can recommend connections between different stakeholders (in a dynamic way) and that can play a crucial role in networking opportunities that allow people with IDD to attend Higher Education and find a job. Preliminary findings are presented highlighting the benefits of using a person-centred approach when developing research involving people with IDD and surveying different types of stakeholders.