Nail, E. L. (2023). Postsecondary students with disabilities: Perspectives from the disability office (Publication No. 30319012) [Doctoral dissertation, Robert Morris University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2799341601

Robert Morris University (Pittsburgh, PA)

Specific accommodations were not discussed; instead, this study focused on community college disability coordinators’/directors’ perspectives on factors that support and inhibit them from assisting students with disabilities and included a discussion of test accommodations broadly.

Twelve community college disability coordinators/directors in one unspecified northeastern state (U.S.) completed a questionnaire; six of these participants also took part in a focus group.

An online, researcher-constructed questionnaire was completed by all 12 participants. A researcher-constructed focus group protocol was developed for a focus group with six participants.

Roughly 75% of participants reported that either they or someone else in the disability office were responsible for providing test accommodations. Additional findings unrelated to assessment accommodations were also reported. The findings revealed that disability coordinators/directors face significant challenges due to limited resources, staffing, and training, as well as inadequate K–12 transition services for students. Key factors identified as necessary for student success included institutional acceptance and integration of students with disabilities, development of student self-determination and self-advocacy skills, and improved partnerships between disability offices and K-12 transition services.