Wavering Support and Limited Resources: How Disability Resource Professionals Handled the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating the Effects of a Global Pandemic (Table 12)

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges of disability resource professionals (DRPs) during the first year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. Findings revealed that DRPs experience numerous professional obstacles that impacted their overall professional, including obstacles impinging on necessary administrative support and institutional encouragement of disability-related initiatives. This study provides important insight into this key administrative role within the higher education setting as DRPs not only support the needs of students with disabilities in the postsecondary setting but serve as advocates for inclusivity of diverse student needs.

Authors

• Katherine C Aquino, St. John's University
  Presenting Author

• Sally S. Scott, Association on Higher Education and Disability
  Non-Presenting Author