Universal Design (UD), a theory that encompasses a proactive approach to accessibility and inclusion, has spread from its roots in architecture and product design to a host of applications including educational contexts. Over more than two decades, applications of UD in postsecondary settings have undergone exponential growth. In this theoretical…

The rise in numbers of postsecondary students who require adapted services underscores the need for inclusive teaching practices to help students with disabilities adjust and succeed. Despite the growth in studies on this topic, quantitative data are lacking on the prevalence of these practices in high school and college, and their predictive…

Foreign language learning can pose a barrier to some students with disabilities. This practice brief describes a collaborative process used on one campus to provide professional development for foreign language instructors. Training opportunities were intentionally focused on the needs of adjunct and temporary lecturers in providing inclusive…

It is vital that all university staff have awareness of the difficulties that may be experienced by students with disabilities. Staff must be given the knowledge and resources to support these students effectively. University College Dublin (UCD) Access & Lifelong Learning has developed a communication and training strategy to improve…

Across the globe, students with disabilities have been increasing in prevalence in higher education settings. Thus, it has become more urgent for college faculty to have a broad awareness of disability and inclusive teaching practices based on the tenets of Universal Design. In this study, we examined faculty attitudes toward disability-related…

Engineers must design for a diverse group of potential users of their products; however, engineering curricula rarely include an emphasis on universal design principles. This research article details the effectiveness of a design project implemented in a first-year engineering course in an effort to raise awareness of the need for engineers to be…

This investigation examined university staff members' attitudes towards students with learning disabilities (LD) at the postsecondary level. Although prior research has examined university faculty perceptions of students with LD, little is known about staff members' attitudes and perceptions. A survey instrument was administered to approximately…

While experiential education has been part of higher education for a long time, access for students with disabilities is an emerging topic, broadening the scope of work for disability service providers. Participation in career-focused experiential education, such as internships and cooperative education, is an especially important learning…

A study compared the effect of two different lecture pause procedures (pauses used for reflection and notetaking; pauses used for discussion) on the recall and note completeness of 27 college students with learning disabilities. Results show independent reflection meant fewer ideas partially recorded in notes, but otherwise no significant…

A study used structured interviews to explore the nature of written language difficulties of 31 university students with learning disabilities. Discussion of results addressed perceived demands for written expression; specific areas of difficulty (proofreading/detecting errors, spelling, grammar, writing speed, legibility); strategies used to…

A survey of 31 college students with learning disabilities found few used comprehensive and effective notetaking techniques, with only a small number requesting notetaking accommodations. Major difficulties included speed of writing, paying attention, making sense of notes afterward, and deciding what information to record. Programing and research…

Examined whether processing speed tests can predict the benefits of extended test time for college students with learning disabilities. Found that the Visual Matching and Cross Out tests from the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability-Revised were significantly correlated with the benefit of extended test time, while the Digit Symbol subtest…

In order to gain access to services at universities and colleges, students with learning disabilities must provide documentation of their disability. However, secondary schools are not required by law to provide the documentation often requisite at the postsecondary level. Also, it appears that secondary schools may collect even less psychometric…

Discusses how collaboration can enhance support services provided to college students with learning disabilities. Defines collaboration and considers the context of federal law concerning disabilities, examines current practice, and outlines a vision for implementing collaborative services. Also examines advantages and disadvantages of this…

Compared participants in a peer-based coaching program for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities to non-participants. Found that peer-based support may be an effective means for enhancing general self-efficacy as well as some key areas of learning strategies and study skills for college students…