Positive Aspects of Disability Among College Students

• In Event: 35.080 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Five - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 35.080-4 - Critical Issues in Higher Education: Supporting Students With Disability, Mental Health Challenges, and Food Insecurity

Abstract

The number of students with disabilities pursuing a college education has increased dramatically in recent years (Hitchings, Raue & Lewis, 2011; Horn, Nevill, & Griffith, 2006; Snyder, deBrey, & Dillow, 2016), yet, evidence suggests that these students continue to encounter significant challenges and barriers that may have a dramatic effect on their college experience (Madaus & Shaw, 2006; Author, 2015; Stodden et al., 2001). Positive experiences and aspects of being a college student with a disability have not garnered as much consideration and have received little attention in the professional literature to date. The current study sought to address this gap through examination of positive aspects of disability among twelve undergraduate students. Data were gathered via qualitative interviews.

Authors

• Jessica Sniatecki, College at Brockport - SUNY

• Jennifer Ashton, College at Brockport - SUNY

• Linda Snell, The College at Brockport, SUNY