Cultural empowerment: Tools to engage and retain postsecondary students with disabilities

Abstract

To improve the graduation rate of students with disabilities who attend colleges and universities, a response strategy consisting of four components is advocated: self-determination and self-advocacy curriculum developed to build life skills, faculty committed to increasing cultural capital for all students and sustaining environments where positive postsecondary experiences flourish; a range of related services; and a coordinated system of supports that is student-centered and delivered in the classroom.