Affiliations: Midwest Alliance,University of Illinois, Champaign,
IL, USA | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Midwest
Alliance, UW-CREATe (Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive
Technology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA | Division of Disability Resources and Educational
Services, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: N.J. Stumbo, Ph.D., CTRS, Director,
Midwest Alliance, University of Illinois, 2432 Sanford Lane Normal, IL
61761-5482, USA. Tel.: +1 309 454 4582; Fax: +1 309 454 4582; E-mails:
nstumbo@illinois.edu or stumbo@wisc.edu
Abstract: Persons with severe physical disabilities are disadvantaged in the
postsecondary education and the workforce due to inadequate education and
educational supports. One of these educational supports is the availability of
reliable and trained 24/7/365 personal assistance. Without adequate access to
personal assistance, individuals with severe physical disabilities simply
cannot attend and graduate from postsecondary degree programs. It is clear that
if individuals with high support needs cannot live within the educational
environment, they will not be able to succeed in the educational environment.
This article examines the nature of this problem, describes current models of
postsecondary disability support structures, and explores the difficulties and
challenges inherent in personal assistance service provision. It is hoped that
this discussion will prompt broader discourse regarding postsecondary services
for students with severe physical disabilities and impact their participation
in higher education.
Keywords: Students with disabilities, post secondary education, personal assistance
