Author ORCID Identifier
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6850-8861
Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Special Education
First Advisor
Dr. Yaoying Xu
Second Advisor
Dr. Colleen Thoma
Third Advisor
Dr. LaRon Scott
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Paul Wehman
Fifth Advisor
Dr. Elsie-Harper Anderson
Abstract
Discrepancies for Black men with disabilities continue to persist in educational and employment outcomes despite the advancement of evidence-based practices to support successful transition planning. While emergent scholarship suggests a growing shift toward culturally responsive research there remains a lack of culturally responsive intersectional approaches in transition research and practices. The purpose of this dissertation is to connect and situate three manuscripts. The first manuscript is a narrative review of self-determination within the context of employment to examine existing literature and identify gaps in cultural responsiveness. The second manuscript is a qualitative secondary document analysis of student-created program artifacts of two Black men with disabilities who were successfully employed following their enrollment in an Inclusive Postsecondary Education program (IPSE). The study centers student identity within strength-based perspectives within the intersectional context of race, gender, and disability. The third manuscript offers actionable guidance for IPSE teams toward implementing culturally responsive practices. This three-paper dissertation advances the field in support of culturally responsive practices informed by student-centered research findings to support Black men with disabilities toward successful employment pathways including those within inclusive postsecondary education programs.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-8-2026