ERIC Number: ED669057
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 182
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5381-3028-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Nonvisible Disabilities: Classroom Experiences of Occupational Therapy Students with Academic Accommodations
Annette Horton
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Capella University
The primary purpose of this study was to examine the subjective experiences of postsecondary learners with a nonvisible disability. Although the construct of disability has garnered much scholarly attention, there exists a gap in the literature as it relates to qualitative inquiry of disability stigma, ableism, and learners' perceptions of attending a postsecondary institution while having a disability. This study was used to investigate two research questions: How do occupational therapy students with a nonvisible disability describe their classroom experiences when requesting academic accommodations in the postsecondary learning environment? How do occupational therapy students with a nonvisible disability describe their classroom experiences when using academic accommodations in the postsecondary learning environment? To answer the research questions, a qualitative methodology and basic qualitative research design were used. Merriam and Tisdell's basic qualitative model guided the planning and process of data collection. The target population for this study is occupational therapy students in the Midwest region of the United States with a nonvisible disability. The sample was derived from a group of students who were 18 or older and had experience requesting or using academic accommodations at postsecondary schools. The data were analyzed using the six phases of the Braun and Clarke thematic analysis process. The data were manually coded, paired, and critiqued, producing eight themes and six subthemes addressing the research questions. The results indicated that learners' experiences are largely unfavorable when interacting with peers, faculty, and staff while requesting/using accommodations. Also indicated by the results was a need for disability training regarding implementing accommodations and creating supportive learning environments for all learners regardless of ability. Future researchers could consider investigating a more diverse sample, different learning environments, and how learners cope with their disability. [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: Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Students with Disabilities, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health Occupations Education, College Students, Student Attitudes, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Attitudes toward Disabilities, Negative Attitudes, Social Bias, Classroom Environment, Educational Experience, Peer Relationship, Teacher Student Relationship, Student College Relationship
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A