Students’ Perceptions about Successfully Transitioning to Postsecondary Institutions
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Keywords
transition, postsecondary education, supports
Abstract
Through the auspices of federal legislation, students with disabilities are gaining access to higher education. Still for many students with disabilities, the paramount barriers facing them in their transition to postsecondary education are overwhelming. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study of 59 postsecondary students with disabilities on factors students perceived to inhibit or contribute to their successful transition into college. The study examines support services and access to reasonable accommodations available to students with disabilities. Students reported the major barriers to accessing college and succeeding in college were societal attitudes, lack of preparation, and financial constraints. The students also identified self-determination and families as necessary supports that propelled their transition into postsecondary education. Recommendations and suggestions for teachers, students, and families are presented by the study’s participants to support students’ with disabilities access and retention in postsecondary institutions.
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Dorothy F. Garrison-Wade, Assistant Professor of Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Colorado at Denver
Dorothy F. Garrison-Wade, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. Dorothy’s research agenda focuses on inclusion: (1) culturally responsive research that promotes culturally proficient leadership and teaching, and (2) social justice research that encompasses fair and equitable treatment of all people regardless of race, disability, gender, or social status. She can be contacted at: University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Campus Box 106, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO, TEL: (303)352-3862 or through email at [email protected]
Jean Lehmann, Professor and Interim Director, School of Education, Colorado State University
Jean Lehmann, Ph.D. is a Professor and Interim Director of the School of Education at Colorado State University. Dr. Lehmann has been the principal investigator on federally funded projects addressing issues of self determination, transition–related educator preparation, and models for increasing the postsecondary success of students with disabilities. She can be contacted at: Colorado State University, ED111A Education, Fort Collins, CO 80523 or through email at [email protected]