A Study on College Life Experiences and Support Strategies of Students Participating in Higher Education Programs for Students with Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of students with developmental disabilities on higher education programs at universities and to suggest the strategies to improve the quality of their college life experiences. For the purpose of this study, survey were implemented for students participating in the higher education program for people with developmental disabilities. Survey was conducted by distributing the questionnaire through mail, e-mail, and direct visits. In the research results, the future vision of students who want to achieve through participation in higher education programs was presented, and the results of analysis of academic characteristics and motivation, academic cognitive characteristics, social responsibility and leadership characteristics of students participating in higher education programs were presented. Through the results of this study, it will not only be possible to improve the quality of higher education programs that students with developmental disabilities can participate in, but also to improve their quality of life through the provision of appropriate programs.