Developing an Intervention to Expand Dignity of Risk in Postsecondary Education Programs: My ROAD
Young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) often have ambitious dreams for their future. Their vision of adulthood may include enrolling in college, pursuing fulfilling careers, engaging in their communities, and developing strong relationships with family and friends. However, many face challenges in achieving these goals due to environments and attitudes that create obstacles.
Dignity of risk is a part of the pathway to a full life experience. Without the power of making mistakes, individuals do not build the fortitude necessary to develop their true identities, establish careers, or fully participate in their communities.
- Christopher Worth, Project co-PI, University of Missouri St. Louis
This project aims to address these challenges by focusing on "dignity of risk" within postsecondary education (PSE) programs. Dignity of risk emphasizes that taking risks is a fundamental human right and a crucial part of building meaningful relationships, self-determination, and a higher quality of life.
Rather than viewing risk as something negative, this project seeks to create environments where taking risks is encouraged and supported as a learning opportunity. We will work with PSE programs across the country to learn how to better integrate dignity of risk on their campuses. Our efforts will include developing activities, assessments, and tools that other programs can use in the future.
The project includes three phases:
Phase 1: Conduct a national survey and case studies with three PSE programs to identify what factors influence the implementation of dignity of risk on their campuses.
Phase 2: Develop and test essential components of My ROAD, an intervention designed to build capacity for expanding dignity of risk in PSE programs.
Phase 3: Pilot the My ROAD intervention with four PSE programs to evaluate its feasibility.
The project is supported by partners from Think College, the University of Missouri St. Louis, the University of Arkansas, and The Ohio State University. To ensure that our work is beneficial for people with I/DD across all PSE programs, we will be guided by an Empowerment Advisory Board. This board will consist of a range of stakeholders, including youth with I/DD, family members, service providers, PSE program staff, and researchers.
