University policies, resources and staff practices: Impact on college students with disabilities

Students with disabilities (SWD) experience a series of obstacles that interfere with obtaining their college degree. We conducted a series of focus groups to better understand the intersection of policy, university culture and resources, and their impact on the college experience of SWD from one university. Analysis of student narratives revealed five themes: experiences with disability services office, faculty interactions, accommodations, awareness of university resources, and recommendations to improve disability climate. Practice implications for improving campus climate, faculty and staff responsiveness, and student supports are described as well as research initiatives that are needed to improve persistence and graduation of SWD.