ERIC Number: ED666664
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 196
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5055-4649-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Experiencing Self-Advocacy: Accounts of Female Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
Anne Namy Bramlage
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Hartford
Within institutions of higher education, it is imperative that female students with a disability advocate for themselves to ensure they receive the necessary accommodations. Furthermore, female students with a disability are doubly marginalized in that: (a) existing gender differences affect women more in both emotion and physical wellbeing (Jha et al., 2012; Lin, 2016; Alshebou, 2019) and (b) internal and external challenges associated with having a disability (Hong, 2015; Lightner et al., 2012; O'Shea et al., 2016). The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to examine what female undergraduate students with a disability reported regarding their self-advocacy on a college campus, by employing Self-Determination Theory as advanced by Deci and Ryan (1985). The theoretical framework utilized in this study explored three areas of the framework, namely, autonomy, competency, and relatedness. Data was collected via interviews with eight female undergraduate students with a disability. Several important conclusions can be determined. The study identified that intersectionality, agency, and generativity were related to self-advocacy. A lack of support negatively impacted self-advocacy. The ambiguity of campus ethos positively and negatively impacted participants experiences on campus. Recommendations for practice included, providing residential assistant training on campus which educates how to assist students with disabilities, as well as students with disabilities-based mentorship programs. Faculty support professional development videos could enhance understanding of impairments, and the implementing of campus centers for students with disabilities could allow for safe spaces and enhanced community on campus. Future qualitative research should be conducted examining the intersectionality of female undergraduates with disabilities as well as investigating female college student development in light of specific disabilities. [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.]
Descriptors: Self Advocacy, Females, Students with Disabilities, Student Attitudes, Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Undergraduate Students
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