Postsecondary education across the USA: Experiences of adults with disabilities

Abstract

While postsecondary education participation statistics are available, there is little research that gives voice to the experiences and perceptions of individuals with disabilities. In this study, focus groups were conducted in 10 disparate states to explore student identified barriers to the access and utilization of educational supports and subsequent employment. Results indicated that students with disabilities still have difficulty obtaining basic accommodations and supports. Discriminatory attitudes and assumptions about their ability also negatively impacted these individuals in postsecondary education and the workplace. Findings suggest that while progress has been made to increase their success, support services should be better coordinated. Programs to educate faculty, peers, and employers need to be implemented to decrease discriminatory attitudes and further increase these students' success in postsecondary education and subsequent employment.