Witnessing the Ableist Campus

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Systemic Access, Lived Experiences: Pursuing Authentic Inclusion in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the social interactions of students with intellectual disability during Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs. Through a combination of the DSE and IPSE theoretical frameworks, I analyzed the experiences of 15 IPSE students to understand their social interactions during IPSE. Methods included focus groups, participant observations, and interviews with the participants. One major finding highlighted the pervasive presence of ableism across campus life. Ableism across larger systems was impacting access to higher education spaces as well as social opportunities and personal relationships. Other findings will be discussed in subsequent papers. Implications will be given for higher education and k-12 policy and practice, as well as for research.

Author

• Katie E. Ducett, SUNY - College at Cortland