Student Experiences Utilizing Disability Support Services in a University Setting

Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: http://www.projectinnovation.biz/csj.html

Y

6

College Students; Student Experience; Disabilities; Student Personnel Services; Student Attitudes; Academic Accommodations (Disabilities); Use Studies; Student Satisfaction; Grade Point Average; Incidence; Questionnaires; Rating Scales; Outcomes of Education; Testing Accommodations; Correlation; Academic Achievement; Educational Indicators

0146-3934

Students with disabilities are a growing population in post-secondary institutions, yet present poorer academic outcomes compared to students without disabilities. The current study examined university students' own perceptions and experiences with disability support services (SDS) including how helpful they found the accommodations they were granted, how regularly they visited SDS and the purpose of their visits, in what ways SDS had been useful, and their recommendations for improving SDS. We also examined the relationship between the number of visits to SDS and grade point average (GPA). The findings indicated that students visited SDS an average of 4.7 times a semester for a variety of reasons but primarily to establish their accommodations. There was a significant relationship between number of visits to SDS and GPA. Results indicated that services provided through SDS were not fully utilized and students highlighted a number of areas for improvement. With increased awareness and accessibility of these services, students with disabilities in university settings may have improved academic outcomes.

As Provided

9

2016

EJ1112130