A Conceptual Framework for Considering Campus Diversity Policies Relating to Students With Intellectual Disability

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Access for All: Troubling Dis/Ability Barriers in Higher Education

Abstract

This conceptual paper considers the impact of college campus diversity policies on college students with intellectual disabilities (ID). Some diversity policies include the term “ability” to cover all dis/abilities, however, students with ID have considerably different support and protection needs than students with other types of dis/abilities. Using institutional theory and institutional ethics, I consider the interplay between the macro (institution) level and the micro (program) level regarding tensions that arise between regulatory compliance (disability law) and philosophical goals of promoting social justice/equitable educational services, student advocacy needs, and so on. I suggest a conceptual model for analyzing data derived from interviews of involved practitioners. This work concerns a new area of research and is derived from the literature.

Author

• Tamara Harper Shetron, Texas State University - San Marcos