Cooper, J. M. (2023). “Even a little bit of independence can go a long way”: The experiences of students with disabilities transitioning from high school to college (Publication No. 30248656) [Marshall University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2789246433

Marshall University (Huntington, WV)

Accommodations were not specified; the focus was on how students with disabilities experience the transition from high school to college, including the acquisition and use of accommodations.

Nine current and former postsecondary students from Marshall University (West Virginia) participated in one-on-one virtual interviews.

Qualitative interviews were conducted virtually with each participant individually.

There were two major themes that emerged from the interviews: challenges and supports. However, there was no consensus among participants regarding how they perceived and acted on challenges and supports they experienced; what some participants struggled with, others had no difficulties with. The most frequently discussed issues included: 1) identifying disabilities; 2) identifying needs and supports; 3) interacting with faculty and staff; 4) navigating campus; and 5) accessing wraparound services.