Transition to Adulthood
Our work focuses on expanding post-high school opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities. We inspire and guide schools, employers, and communities to explore innovative ways of supporting access to meaningful college, career, and community experiences. We are also exploring new transition pathways so that young people with disabilities can truly flourish in adulthood. To get involved in this signature area, contact Dr. Deidre Gilley.
Current opportunities:
Friendship Project
This study examines what friendship and belonging mean to transition-aged youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we will explore how friendship is perceived by parents and caregivers. To learn more, contact MacKenzie Wicker.
Flourishing Futures
Flourishing Futures is a grant funded by the Texas Health and Human Services to support children and transition-aged youth with special health care needs. The primary objective of this project is to provide trainings, resources, and supports to individuals with disabilities, service providers, and families so individuals with disabilities can flourish in in communities, schools, and relationships. Some activities will include launching a transition program, developing a peer social group for young adults with disabilities, providing trainings and professional development, and more. To learn more, contact Kristen Padilla.
Past opportunities:
Project THRIVE
This project helps adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Texas gain access to research-based vocational skills training through telehealth sessions with trained Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) at Baylor University. Participant interviews are conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses in order to develop appropriate vocational goals for the individual. To learn more, contact MacKenzie Wicker.
Teaching Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Solve Customer Service Problems
This study examined the effect of two research-based teaching procedures on the demonstration of problem-solving skills within the workplace for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more, contact MacKenzie Wicker.