Autistic Students and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Research Project
The Autism in Education Lab (AEL) and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab (ADDL) at SFU are recruiting participants for a research project on improving accessibility in work-integrated learning (WIL)1 for Autistic students. We are currently recruiting two groups for this project: (1) Autistic students, and (2) WIL postsecondary staff. We are also currently seeking an employer collaborator who has experience hiring or supervising Autistic WIL students. More information about what participation involves is provided below:
1. Current and Former Autistic Students
1a. Autistic Students' Experiences in WIL
We are recruiting Autistic individuals who are currently involved in a work-integrated learning program or who previously participated in a work-integrated learning program in BC (e.g., a co-op placement). For this study, we are interested in how work-integrated learning programs offered by postsecondary institutions could be more inclusive and accessible for Autistic students. Participation in this study involves completing an online questionnaire and answering a series of interview questions. The total time commitment is approximately 1 hour.
For more information, or if you are interested in participating, please see this online form: https://sfufas.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6R4VOEH7IAWAbAi
1b. Autistic Students' Reasons for not Participating in WIL
We are also researching why some Autistic students do not participate in work-integrated learning (WIL) programs. We are recruiting Autistic individuals who are current or former postsecondary students in BC who did not participate in WIL. We want to identify any barriers which may discourage or prevent Autistic students from participating in WIL and to understand what may make these programs more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming. Participation in this study involves completing online questionnaires. The total time commitment is approximately 1 hour.
For more information, or if you are interested in participating, please see this online form: https://sfufas.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3QJnhu4hyHZ6osK
2. WIL Postsecondary Staff
We are also recruiting WIL Practitioners and staff (e.g., co-op advisors). For this study, we are interested in learning how Autistic students could be better supported in WIL and how WIL staff can be better supported in working with these students. Participation involves completing a brief online survey. The total time commitment is approximately 10 minutes.
To participate in this study, please follow this link to the online survey: https://sfufas.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7Ot5YeQaXg5ErSS
3. Employer Collaborator
We are seeking a placement employer with experience hiring or supervising Autistic WIL students to collaborate with us by sharing their recommendations for improving accessibility and inclusion in WIL. This can be done in writing or over a call, and the expected time commitment is approximately 30 minutes. Please contact us at addl@sfu.ca for more information.
This research project is designed and led by a team of Autistic and non-Autistic team members. More information about the focus and objectives of this project are included on our WIL Project webpage. If you have any questions about this research project or if you are interested in participating, please do not hesitate to reach out to Meryssa at addl@sfu.ca
1Note. WIL programs integrate students’ academic studies with work-based learning, such as in co-op or practicum placements. For more information about what WIL is, please see this website: https://acewilbc.ca/what-is-wil/
Principal Investigator: Elina Birmingham (elina_birmingham@sfu.ca)
Co-Investigator: Dr. Grace Iarocci (giarocci@sfu.ca)
Ethics Protocol H25-02922