Disabled Voices in Higher Education: A Photovoice Project

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Reflection and Transformation: Centering Disabled Students' Perspectives in Shaping the Future of Higher Education

Abstract

On college campuses across the United States, the enrollment of students with disabilities continues to increase, from 11% of the student population in 2012 to 21% in 2020 (GAO, 2024). Unfortunately, their stories often remain invisible. This photovoice project contributes to a growing body of literature participatory research centering the experiences of students with disabilities in postsecondary education. Three broad themes emerged: (1) needing to demonstrate competence and intelligence as a condition of belonging; (2) emphasis on compliance over inclusion; and (3) the lasting impact of a lifetime of ableist experiences. Findings from this study have significant implications for improving the quality of student life and access for students with disabilities.

Author

• Sylvia Mac, University of San Diego