Students with disabilities in post-secondary educational settings

Abstract

Rapid changes in our nation's economy, including an increasing reliance on technology and demographic changes in the work force, have increased the value of post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities attempting to maximize their employment potential. Individuals who participate in higher education are (1) more likely to be employed and (2) earn higher wages than other individuals. As a result the number of individuals with disabilities accessing post-secondary educational opportunities has increased dramatically in recent years. Despite serious administrative, programmatic, attitudinal and financial obstacles, students with disabilities today comprise between 5% and 10% of students entering postsecondary education. High school programs are focusing increased attention on preparing students to enter colleges and universities of their choice. At the post-secondary level, many colleges have developed high quality special student service units and other programs to allow students to benefit from their post-secondary opportunities. In addition, newly emerging rehabilitation technologies are allowing many individuals to transfer their successful educational experiences into long-term employment success. The articles contained in the issue have been developed to reflect the breadth and diversity of issues directly related to the participation of individuals with disabilities in post-secondary educational settings. Success in these settings requires (1) careful planning and preparation at the high school level, (2) administrative, programmatic, and social supports at the post-secondary level, (3) a recognition that the amount and type of supports required varies widely across individuals, and (4) an understanding that success in educational settings does not automatically translate to success in employment settings. The first article, written by Dr. Sally Scott, provides a comprehensive overview of the array of services and supports available to students with disabilities in colleges and universities. At one level, access to post-secondary educational opportunities is a matter of compliance with clearly defined federal laws and regulations, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. However, it is important to remember that access in higher education involves more than simply equal opportunity for program admission. Student recruitment, treatment of students academic requirements and instruction, housing, financial and employment assistance, and non-academic services and all other facet of college life are impacted by the ADA and Section 504. The ability of colleges and universities to respond to these needs varies widely. Dr. Scott illustrates the diversity in scope