Affiliations: Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawai'i at
Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Peter W. Dowrick, 1776
University Avenue, UA 4-6, University of Hawai'i, Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822,
USA. Tel.: +1 808 956 8741; Fax: +1 808 956 4371; E-mail: dowrick@hawaii.edu
Abstract: While postsecondary education participation statistics are
available, there is little research that gives voice to the experiences and
perceptions of individuals with disabilities. In this study, focus groups were
conducted in 10 disparate states to explore student identified barriers to the
access and utilization of educational supports and subsequent employment.
Results indicated that students with disabilities still have difficulty
obtaining basic accommodations and supports. Discriminatory attitudes and
assumptions about their ability also negatively impacted these individuals in
postsecondary education and the workplace. Findings suggest that while progress
has been made to increase their success, support services should be better
coordinated. Programs to educate faculty, peers, and employers need to be
implemented to decrease discriminatory attitudes and further increase these
students' success in postsecondary education and subsequent employment.
Keywords: disabilities, postsecondary education, support services, employment, transition
