Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Understanding How a Student Organization Attends to the Social Integration of College Students with Disabilities.

While scholars have indicated that social involvement is crucial to students' development and success in college life and beyond, very little empirical research investigates how students with disabilities become socially integrated in college settings. In response, this qualitative study examines the social experiences of five college students with physical disabilities who participate in LEVEL, a student organization that aims to create accessible social experiences for students of all abilities and educate students and the broader community about ableism. The key findings of this study revealed that participants experienced feelings of isolation prior to joining LEVEL, LEVEL provided an opportunity to dispel ableist assumptions and misconceptions, and LEVEL engendered the formation of friendships. These findings have direct significance in advancing the field of disability in higher education and aiding in the design of collegiate programs and organizations that raise ableism awareness and foster social integration between students of all abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]