My Risk for Opportunity, Autonomy, and Dignity (My ROAD): Developing an Intervention to Expand Dignity of Risk in Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs
Young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) often have ambitious dreams for their future. Their vision of adulthood may include enrolling in college, pursuing fulfilling careers, engaging in their communities, and developing strong relationships with family and friends. However, many face challenges in achieving these goals due to ableist environments and attitudes.
Dignity of risk is a part of the pathway to a full life experience. Without the power of making mistakes, individuals do not build the fortitude necessary to develop their true identities, establish careers, or fully participate in their communities.
- Christopher Worth, Project co-PI, University of Missouri St. Louis
This project aims to address these challenges by focusing on "dignity of risk" (DOR) within inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs. DOR emphasizes that taking risks is a fundamental human right and a crucial part of building meaningful relationships, self-determination, and a higher quality of life. Rather than viewing risk as something negative, this project seeks to create environments where taking risks is encouraged and supported as a learning opportunity. We will work with IPSE programs across the country to learn how to better integrate DOR on their campuses. Our efforts will include developing activities, assessments, and tools that other programs can use in the future.
The project includes three phases:
Phase 1: Conduct a national survey and case studies with three diverse IPSE programs to identify what factors influence the implementation of DOR on their campuses.
Phase 2: Develop and test essential components of My ROAD, an intervention designed to build capacity for expanding DOR in IPSE programs.
Phase 3: Pilot the My ROAD intervention with four IPSE programs to evaluate its feasability.
The project is supported by partners from Think College, the University of Missouri St. Louis, the University of Arkansas, and The Ohio State University. To ensure that our work is inclusive and beneficial for all IPSE programs, including those serving diverse populations, we will be guided by an Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. This board will consist of a diverse group of stakeholders, including youth with I/DD, family members, service providers, inclusive college program staff, and researchers.
This project is supported by grant # 90IFDV0037-01-00 from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research within the Administration on Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the funding agency, and should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
