ERIC Number: EJ1181989
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1918-5227
EISSN: N/A
College Students with Disabilities Explain Challenges Encountered in Professional Preparation Programs
Squires, Maureen E.; Countermine, Brad
Exceptionality Education International, v28 n1 p22-44 2018
Throughout the United States, students with disabilities (SWD) are entering higher education in greater numbers than in the past; they also encounter barriers that negatively impact their college experience. This qualitative study explores the challenges of SWD at a public comprehensive college in the northeastern United States. Our research questions include the following: What are the internal and external challenges of college SWD in professional preparation programs? What might this mean for practice in higher education? In total, 541 participants completed an open-ended survey. Of this group, 45 participants disclosed having a disability, and 12 participated in follow-up interviews. Primary themes that emerged from this study include underdeveloped self-determination skills, lack of understanding (by SWD and faculty), the stigma associated with disabilities, and ineffective accommodations and support services. What follows is a review of relevant literature, discussion of findings, and presentation of implications for college SWD and professionals in higher education.
Descriptors: College Students, Disabilities, Barriers, College Environment, Qualitative Research, Phenomenology, Higher Education, Student Surveys, Semi Structured Interviews, Pilot Projects, Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Teacher Education Programs, Teacher Education, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Federal Legislation, Civil Rights Legislation, Professional Education, Public Colleges
Exceptionality Education International. University of Alberta, Department of Educational Psychology, 6-102 Education North, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada. Tel: 780-492-0800; Fax: 780-492-1318; e-mail: eecj@ualberta.ca; Web site: http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/eei/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Rehabilitation Act 1973 (Section 504); Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A