Cultural empowerment: Tools to engage and retain postsecondary students with disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Yuen, JoAnn W.L. | Shaughnessy, Brian

Affiliations: National Center for the Study of Postsecondary Educational Supports (NCSPES), University of Hawaii, Manoa-Research Rehabilitation Training Center, Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, 1776 University Avenue, UA 4-6, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA. Tel.: +1 808 956 2641; Fax: +1 808 956 2643; E-mail: fopawz@aol.com; shaughneb001@hawaii.rr.com

Abstract: To improve the graduation rate of students with disabilities who attend colleges and universities, a response strategy consisting of four components is advocated: self-determination and self-advocacy curriculum developed to build life skills, faculty committed to increasing cultural capital for all students and sustaining environments where positive postsecondary experiences flourish; a range of related services; and a coordinated system of supports that is student-centered and delivered in the classroom.

Keywords: persistence and retention of students with disabilities, postsecondary education, cultural capital, cultural empowerment, self-determination/self-advocacy

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 16, no. 3-4, pp. 199-207, 2001