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ERIC Number: ED631265
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 115
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3684-7316-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Underutilization of Disability Resources in Higher Education: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Jackson Banks, Letina Diane
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Northcentral University
Disability resources are underutilized in institutions of higher education (IHE). The problem addressed in this qualitative descriptive study was that despite the availability of disability services in IHE, over 62% of eligible students failed to secure the necessary learning accommodations. Often, students with disabilities (SWDs) are reluctant to disclose their disabilities and obtain services and accommodations. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of SWDs when utilizing disability resources. Understanding SWDs' perceptions may help identify strategies that would encourage these students to use disability services on college campuses. This qualitative descriptive study was designed to explore SWDs' perceptions of utilizing disability resources and to examine how students can overcome barriers that might prevent them from applying for and using necessary accommodations. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of cognitive development and Maslow's hierarchy of needs framed this study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews from a purposive sample of five undergraduate full-time students who were 18 years or older. A thematic analysis was used to examine the data and resulted in three themes: (a) the participants felt that without accommodation they would not be able to attend a university and be successful at matriculation; (b) having proper resources in place for SWDs helped with successful matriculation; and (c) the importance of having an advocate is helpful in overcoming barriers that might prevent access to and use of disability services. The findings revealed participants' experiences are consistent with findings from other research on related topics. These results supported the need for accommodations, resources, and strategies for overcoming barriers. Recommendations for future research include increasing the sample size, diversifying settings, and exploring the relationship of faculty and SWDs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A