TahLea A. Wright
2020 SOAR Profile
Hounds Transition Program: Exploring the Transition to Post-Secondary Experiences for Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through a Disability Studies Framework
Major and Minor: Special Education and Early Childhood Education Certification
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Project Advisor(s): Dr. Laurie Kahn
Briefly describe your project.
Our research project focused on young adults with disabilities and their transition to adulthood. Students between the ages of 14 and 21 and their parents were interviewed about their experiences in transition programs. The main purpose of the project was to learn more about their experiences to hopefully create a transition program on campus for students with disabilities. Dr. Kahn and I were hoping to pilot the Hounds Transition Program (HTP) over the summer. Moravian undergraduate education students and high school students from the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 (CIU 20) would be a part of the HTP. Undergraduate students would teach lessons on financial literacy. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we couldn’t pilot the program this summer.
Dr. Kahn and I created interview questions for students and parents using a strengths-based model. Each 30-minute interview was completed on Zoom. I asked students and parents 10 to 15 questions about their transition program experience, goals in life, qualities in transition programs, and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected them.
Describe the origin of your project. (E.g., did you pitch the idea and choose a faculty member, or did they come to you with an idea?)
Dr. Kahn reached out to me about completing a SOAR project. Since I know someone who went through a transition program and I’ve seen how successful they can be, we decided to work together! She also thought of partnering with the CIU20 for our research. I got to work with Dr. Daniel Cullen, supervisor of transition services at CIU20. It was an amazing experience working with him. He helped us get in contact with students and their parents.
What’s the best part about working with your faculty mentor? What valuable insights have they brought to your project?
The best part about working with Dr. Kahn is seeing her passion for disability studies come out while conducting research. She was very supportive throughout the entire process. She also provided a lot of great advice for me during this experience. I have never completed a research study before. She has a background in conducting qualitative research. I was able to ask her questions throughout the summer.
What has been your biggest obstacle so far?
Completing the transcripts of each interview was difficult. I used Zoom to conduct the interviews and use the transcription feature. Some of the words didn’t match what a person was saying. So I had to make sure the information was correct in order to analyze the data.
What has been your biggest takeaway from this experience?
I learned how important it is to listen to people’s stories. I learned so much from the students and parents I met this summer. This experience got me even more excited to become a teacher and make meaningful connections with families. I do hope to work in transition programming at some point during my career.
What was the result of your project?
Students had similar goals for after high school. Some would like to continue working, and others would like to attend trade school or college. Parents found that transition programs must include teachers who are focused on each student and their needs. Students and parents thought the Hounds Transition Program was needed on Moravian’s campus.
In your own words, how do you feel about being awarded this opportunity? Why should other students take advantage of the SOAR program at Moravian College?
This experience was awesome! When Dr. Kahn and I applied, we weren’t sure what our research would look like. We had to make a few changes once we were accepted into the SOAR program, but that didn’t stop us from researching! I would recommend other students, especially in the education program, apply. SOAR is a great opportunity for students to learn more about their field outside of their courses.
Now that SOAR is over, do you plan to expand upon your research? If so, how?
I am always open to learning more! I think continuing to work with Dr. Kahn and Dr. Cullen will help me expand my research.
Have you, or do you plan to present this research outside the SOAR presentations? If so, where? Be specific, if possible.
One of my favorite memories from SOAR was presenting our research to peers and faculty members. Dr. Kahn and Dr. Cullen were pleased with my presentation. I do hope to present our research to the CIU 20 parent group. If possible, I would like to attend a conference with Dr. Kahn to present our findings.