ERIC Number: EJ1182368
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2379-7762
EISSN: N/A
Perspectives of North American Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Lightfoot, Amy; Janemi, Roya; Rudman, Debbie Laliberte
Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, v31 n1 p57-74 Spr 2018
Despite the existence of policies aimed at ensuring equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities, at the postsecondary level, students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have lower enrollment and completion rates than those without disabilities. To optimize policies and practices to support students with learning disabilities, it is crucial to incorporate the perspectives and experiences of such students. This paper presents the results of a scoping review of research based in the United States and Canada that addressed the perspectives and experiences of students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder regarding postsecondary education. The five-step process for scoping reviews outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) was used. A search of 10 databases resulted in 44 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, with most studies conducted in the United States (n = 35) and using qualitative designs (n = 37). Six themes were identified using an inductive analysis process: (1) supportive and non-supportive experiences with professors, faculty and counselors; (2) experiences of negotiating and receiving formal accommodations; (3) intrinsic factors affecting success; (4) influence of variability in timing and understanding of diagnosis; (5) stigmatization of disability status; and (6) social factors affecting success. Findings support the need for inclusive learning environments, better access to accommodations, collaboration between all stakeholders, and educational initiatives to combat negative attitudes and beliefs regarding students with learning disabilities among peers and faculty. Future research directions are also identified.
Descriptors: Postsecondary Education, College Students, Student Attitudes, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Stereotypes, Inclusion, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Bias, Foreign Countries, Literature Reviews
Association on Higher Education and Disability. 107 Commerce Center Drive Suite 204, Huntersville, NC 28078. Tel: 704-947-7779; Fax: 704-948-7779; e-mail: ahead@ahead.org; Web site: http://www.ahead.org/publications/jped
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Information Analyses
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

Peer reviewed
