Supporting Students with Disabilities in Higher Education (Report‪)‬

ABSTRACT The number of students with disabilities attending pustsecondary education institutions is growing. This study surveyed high school special education teachers who were asked to identify the skills, programs and supports they perceived as necessary for students with disabilities to he successful in higher education. Survey respondents were also asked to identify potential obstacles to success. Respondents identified self-advocacy skills as most important for the success of students with disabilities in higher education. Other necessary supports and accommodations were identified, including extended time on tests, test readers, alternative forms of assessment, copies of lecture notes, editing services and organizational support. Institutional barriers to success identified included lack of information, lack of financial assistance, inappropriate pace and relevancy of curriculum, impersonal nature of institutions and lack of access to support services. Student barriers to success identified included lack of confidence, insufficient academic preparation, low grades and lack of self-determination skills.