Disparity of Service – (PDF/EPUB Version)

This qualitative study examines the effects of the reduction in available funds resulting from the current economic situation on students with disabilities in postsecondary education. There is little evidence of a study of this nature conducted in the United States, which makes such a study important at the present time. Twenty students with one or more disabilities attending postsecondary institutions, including community colleges, a public university, and a private university, were interviewed with regard to their navigation of postsecondary education during difficult economic times. I found that despite reductions in Disabled Student Services (DSS), the majority of respondents believed they would be able to graduate at their expected date of completion. Although I found that a majority of respondents did not notice reductions in DSS, some pointed out areas where services had been reduced. I found that a significant portion of the research participants were satisfied with DSS. While my findings did not support the original hypothesis, students with disabilities still experienced a level of frustration that may adversely affect their educational, and professional goals and/or quality of life. One conclusion that I was able to draw from this data is that students are not always aware of reduced services unless they are directly affected by them or until such reductions are brought to their attention. Another conclusion I drew from the research is that despite increased adversity at the level of postsecondary education, my respondents were still able to overcome their challenges and proceed towards their educational goals.