The Back to Back Theatre film internship program for people with intellectual disability: A summative evaluation

ABSTRACT Background Internships may be a successful pathway for increasing employment rates among people with intellectual disability. This paper presents a summative evaluation of a brief film internship program for people with intellectual disability. Method At the commencement and conclusion of the internship, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight interns and 10 mentors. The interview material was analysed thematically. Results Five themes described the experiences of interns: enhancing intern skill development and recognising gaps, building intern confidence, providing interns with assistance, meeting interns’ expectations of the program, and working towards ongoing employment. Four themes were present in the discussions with mentors: drawing on previous experience with people with disability and mentoring roles, feeling confident in a mentor role, providing mentors with support, and reflecting on interns’ future job prospects. Conclusion Although the program developed interns’ skills and confidence, an expanded program appears needed to generate open employment outcomes.