Doubly Different: Challenges Faced by Students of Color With Disabilities Pursuing STEM

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session: Motivation in STEM Contexts

Abstract

This study examined students who are ‘doubly different;’ defined as people of color who are also disabled. Using interpretivist phenomenological analysis, we analyzed semi-structured interviews conducted with students of color pursuing STEM undergraduate majors who are also registered with their university’s office of disability services. We found that these students experienced four challenges that they perceived as barriers to their motivation and developing self-concept as a member of their chosen fields: the high cost of time, a sense of fraudulent success, difficulties reconciling multiple identities, and limited perceived belonging, with few peers or mentors of color, with disabilities, or both. Given these findings, we discuss ways in which seminal motivation theories can be used to better support these students’ experiences.

Author

• Alyssa Emery, Iowa State University