UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN

ANNOUNCEMENT

Florida International University

University Graduate School

Doctoral Dissertation Defense

Abstract

Photovoice Study of Disability Identity Among Young Adults in Inclusive Post-Secondary Education

by

Katherine M. Schmarder

Transition-age adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD; i.e., autism, intellectual disability) are at higher risk for long-term mental and physical health problems. While government mandated supports (i.e., IEP transition planning) aid in the transition to adulthood, the abrupt end to such resources upon exiting high school creates a gap that adults and their families are left to fill. One way that adults and caregivers fill this gap is through involvement in inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs, which provide transition-age adults with a post-secondary education experience where they can build independent living, academic, and occupational skills in a highly supportive setting.

This dissertation aims to characterize the experiences of IPSE students and caregivers during the transition to adulthood as it relates to several protective factors (i.e., self-advocacy, disability identity, belongingness) that may mitigate negative long-term outcomes with the goal of supporting well-being and fulfillment in adulthood. First are findings from a content analysis investigating student-parent relationship dynamics as related to self-advocacy and student involvement in inclusive post-secondary education. Second are findings from a content analysis related to IPSE student conceptualizations and practices of self-advocacy. Last are findings from a thematic analysis leveraging focus group (N = 10) and photograph data to characterize IPSE students’ understanding of their own disabilities as related to their identities and experiences. Implications for supporting transition-age adults with IDD are discussed.

Date: June 26th, 2026 Department: Psychology

Time: 10:00 AM Major Professors: Dr. Stacy Frazier

Place: DM 258 & Zoom Link: https://fiu.zoom.us/j/84518106715?pwd=DRU50HgRpNgElSWt14EODg7KO87VS1.1