Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-11-2024
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Allied Health Studies
First Advisor
Cade Smith
Second Advisor
Timothy Yenter
Third Advisor
Denise Soares
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
An inclusive higher education program (IHEP) exists for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) to foster academic success, employment equipping, interpersonal skill development, and active participation and value validation in the community. Establishing an IHEP can benefit current university students, faculty, and staff, and individuals with I/DDs and their families to create a more informed, inclusive environment. The University of Mississippi (UM) does not currently have an IHEP. Therefore, my advocacy initiative seeks to provide an opportunity for individuals with I/DDs to receive a college education and experience at UM. For two and a half years, I independently researched various IHEPs and applicable resources, engaged in numerous conversations with UM faculty, staff, and administration, met with four existing IHEPs, and co-authored a UM Associated Student Body senate resolution demonstrating student support for this proposition. A concept proposal containing details for the establishment of an IHEP was proposed to UM’s senior leadership in Fall 2023. After thoughtful consideration, UM senior leadership decided to postpone the advancement of an IHEP due to the current, limited campus resources and long-term sustainability concerns. This capstone serves as a catalyst to future advocates, who are encouraged to continue research on IHEPs, explore potential administrative space, and network with prospective stakeholders.
Recommended Citation
Beaird, Bailey, "Are We Ready: Envisioning an Inclusive Higher Education Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Mississippi" (2024). Honors Theses. 3601.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3601
Previous Versions
Aug 7 2026 (withdrawn)
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