The numerous stressors and strains of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to growing numbers of college students experiencing disabilities and needing support. This practice brief explores the challenges faced by disability resource professionals (DRPs) during the pandemic in reaching and supporting students potentially needing accommodations, but…

This classroom study explored how to make positive psychology exercises more accessible to neurodivergent college students. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for identities linked to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental differences. Students participating in the study engaged in weekly evidence-based activities to support…

Using data from a multi-institutional grounded theory study, this paper details the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that 59 U.S. college students with disabilities used to cope with ableist stressors in postsecondary learning environments. Specifically, this manuscript highlights the varied coping strategies students adopted as they responded to…

The college experience can significantly increase feelings of anxiety in all students, as students find themselves in evaluative settings where academic, and often social abilities, are judged. Moreover, high levels of anxiety can lead to significant difficulties with navigating the challenges of college. For students with autism symptomatology,…

Many individuals have experienced increased stress and distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. College students with disabilities may have experienced the pandemic as more threatening and stressful due to exposure to risk factors for contracting COVID-19 and stressors related to college and health and safety. This study examined differences in…

Autism is the fourth-largest disability category in the US, and autistic high school students' expectations for college education in a wide variety of fields have been ever-growing. This paper focuses on the pursuit of STEM-related education for students with autism and the unique needs of these students and techniques to improve outcomes.…

This study examined the social networks of 26 postsecondary students with mobility and sensory disabilities regarding their perceptions of career preparation and career choice confidence. Social networks have been shown to contribute to postsecondary students' academic success and establishing a successful career for those with and without…

Higher education institutions in Japan are increasingly focused on supporting students with developmental disorders, but these individuals still face daunting challenges. Although research has demonstrated the positive effects of peer support on student socialization and academic performance, few studies have examined the perspectives or…

Researchers examined stigma attached to people with disabilities, focusing specifically on stigma regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities. The study involved focus groups with undergraduate college students in a major South Florida University, who did not self-identify as having any disabilities. We performed content analysis to…

Postsecondary students with disabilities risk facing challenges while pursuing their academic goals. Although disability service providers are encouraged to support their goal pursuit, its actualization and the role of individual differences remain poorly researched. We examine the role of autonomy striving dispositional styles, need satisfaction,…

As institutes of higher education (HE) strive to meaningfully address diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a relevant and timely framework for course design to support all learners. Using UDL as an instructional design framework, educators can proactively address learner variability and reduce…

Students with disabilities are attending college in increasing numbers (Kim & Lee, 2016); consequently, academic, disability, and counseling resources directed toward full participation in the college experience are strained. To access support resources, college students must assume the responsibility of disclosing their disability and seek…

The purpose of this paper is to examine rates of college students' housing insecurity from September to November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on whether there are differences in disabled and nondisabled students' housing insecurity controlling for additional demographic variables and pandemic-related experiences. Using a large…

Using survey data from 6,242 first-year students with disabilities that completed the National Survey of Student Engagement and the academic advising topical module, the purpose of the current study was to explore the aspects of academic advising behaviors that mediated overall self-reported grades and student engagement. Findings indicate…

Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs offer students with intellectual disabilities (ID) the opportunity to enhance academic, career, and independent living skills, with the ultimate goal of preparing them for meaningful employment. Given the significance of such programs and their rapid growth across the country and in Florida, an…