1. Exploring Barriers to College Student Use of Disability Services and Accommodations
- Author
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Marshak, Laura, Van Wieren, Todd, Ferrell, Dianne Raeke, Swiss, Lindsay, and Dugan, Catherine
- Abstract
Federal legislation requires most colleges and universities to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. However, many students do not fully avail themselves of college disability services and accommodations. It is important for Office of Disability Services (ODS) personnel to understand the reasons for this, as they attempt to best assist students with disabilities at their institutions. In this qualitative study, 16 college students with disabilities at a medium-sized state university were interviewed. Five major thematic categories emerged from the data analysis, which were identified as barriers to why some students might not seek-out or more fully utilize disability services and accommodations in postsecondary education: (a) identity issues, (b) desires to avoid negative social reactions, (c) insufficient knowledge, (d) perceived quality and usefulness of services, and (e) negative experiences with faculty. Suggestions for ODS personnel to eliminate institutional barriers and to help students overcome personal barriers are provided. (Contains 2 tables.)
- Published
- 2010