Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Administrative and Instructional Leadership
First Advisor
Dr. Katherine C. Aquino
Second Advisor
Dr. Celeilia Parnther,
Third Advisor
Dr. Joan Birringer-Haig
Abstract
A qualitative narrative study was conducted on the personal journey of individuals self-disclosing their disability status within an urban postsecondary environment. The study was intended to uncover the personal journey of students with disabilities self-disclosing their disability status within an urban postsecondary environment. Through semi-structured interviews and targeted journal responses, it explored the students’ lived experiences of seeking out and using accommodations and the students’ perceptions of faculty members’ use of universal design for instruction and universal design for learning. The findings demonstrated that a community-based institution that values diversity among professors, faculty members, and students is an environment that helps students who self-disclosed their disabilities feel accepted and at ease as they work toward their degrees, especially with Disability Resource Office (DRO) support, by opening doors and opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to proper education and assistance. The findings also demonstrated that the DRO provided quality accommodations and accessibility, enriching the experience for students who self-disclosed their disability. Finally, the data showed that students with disabilities frequently self-disclose their difficulties, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in advocating for themselves and getting appropriate help. The results of the study suggest that on the institutional, local, and national level, awareness should be raised regarding the rights and needs of students with disabilities with respect to seeking and accessing support services in higher education. Additionally, further research in this area has the potential to drive positive change in policies, practices, and attitudes. It can provide a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering postsecondary experience for students who self-disclose their disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Carrillo, Nelson, "THE PERSONAL JOURNEY OF INDIVIDUALS SELF-DISCLOSING THEIR DISABILITY STATUS WITHIN AN URBAN POSTSECONDARY ENVIRONMENT" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 675.
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/675