Interviewed by Daisy Lei
Dr. Wendy Coduti is an associate professor of education in the Rehabilitation and Human Services program and Counselor Education program at Penn State. She is also the co-director of the WorkLink Program at Penn State University Park, sharing this responsibility with Dr. Allison Fleming.
Can you briefly summarize your research?
My research includes college students with disabilities and disability in the workplace, with an emphasis on creating mentally healthy workplaces, and mental health and work. I have a sabbatical for the next academic year where I will be researching “Accommodations and Supports at Work for Individuals with Long COVID.”
Can you tell us about some challenges students with intellectual disabilities may face as they navigate their postsecondary education?
Some of the biggest barriers are societal views and at times stigmas directed at this population. Some may question why students with intellectual disabilities are at Penn State (or college) and/or think that these students can’t work or go to college. Both of these assumptions are incorrect. Students with intellectual disabilities want the same things that all students want: independence, employment, friends, partners, etc. Programs such as WorkLink afford students the chance at securing some of those life goals.
Can you tell us about the WorkLink program and resources available for students with intellectual disabilities?
WorkLink is a two-year certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on further developing work skills and knowledge. Our program is a blend of WorkLink seminar courses and courses that students audit at Penn State. Audit courses can be anything that students are interested in, including hobbies they may have or courses related to their future work interests, just like all Penn State students. We also have an internship component built in, so WorkLink students have the opportunity to gain direct work experience while completing the certificate. In my opinion, our best resource is the other Penn State students who volunteer and work with WorkLink. We have student mentors, tutors, volunteers, and interns that help support students in and out of the classroom.
Is there anything else you would like to share about language learning in students with intellectual disabilities?
I think there are a lot of opportunities for language learning in students with intellectual disabilities. We have students who may be bilingual, who may have barriers with spoken language, who may use or seek accommodations in speaking/communicating, etc. Each student is an individual so their needs would be as different as any other student here at Penn State. We welcome students who are interested in learning more to email and set up a time to volunteer in the WorkLink classroom. We have lots of opportunities for volunteers to provide mentoring/tutoring for WorkLink students and assist in expanding their social opportunities. Anyone who wants to help broaden the diversity and community here at Penn State is welcome to come join us!