Keywords
Florida Postsecondary Comprehension Transition Program, Intellectual Disability, Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Person Centered Planning, Strategic Planning Tool, Taxonomy for Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Programming
Abstract
The study examined how person-centered planning goal setting and integrated paid work experiences predict postsecondary employment stability and earned wages for individuals with intellectual disabilities who completed Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Programs. Findings indicated that structured transition planning significantly predicts higher postsecondary earnings, while integrated, paid work experiences contribute to greater employment stability and wage progression over time. Institutional differences shape employment trajectories, underscoring the need to evaluate programmatic factors influencing postsecondary outcomes. Limitations include institutional variability in data reporting, unmeasured confounding variables, and the specificity of the sample to FPCTPs in one state. Program implementation differences and regional labor market conditions may affect generalizability. Despite these limitations, results provide empirical evidence to strengthen transition planning, expand work-based learning, and refine program evaluation frameworks. Findings support policies that enhance employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with ID. Future research should explore additional factors affecting long-term employment outcomes to inform inclusive postsecondary education practices.
Completion Date
2025
Semester
Spring
Committee Chair
Hines, Rebecca A.
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department
Exceptional Student Education
Identifier
DP0029342
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Lopez, Melanie, "Beyond Graduation: A Quantitative Analysis of Earned Wage Outcomes for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Participating in Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Programs" (2025). Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024. 173.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2024/173