A Structural Model on the Relationship Between Disability Identity and Accommodations Usage

• In Event: 32.076 - Special Education Research SIG Paper Session 1: Issues About Special Education

Abstract

From a survey of 514 college students with disabilities, the study assessed the predictive strength of disability identity on accommodation usage in postsecondary education. Findings from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested the presence of three underlying disability identity factors. In the structural equation model analysis that followed, one disability identity factor, students’ identification with their disability, had a direct effect on the frequency of accommodation usage. Another factor, students’ self-appraisal of disability, played a small but significant contributing role in the increase of students’ usage of disability-related supports, while mediated by psychological empowerment and other variables. The structural model was also found to apply to a more homogeneous subset of students who attended four-year colleges/universities.

Authors

• Yeana Wong Lam, University of California

• Mian Wang, University of California - Santa Barbara