The University Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Disability Studies
• Student Affairs

Background:

• Students with learning disabilities (LD) often encounter unique challenges in higher education settings.
• Understanding their experiences is crucial for improving support services and campus inclusivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the university experiences of students with learning disabilities (LD).
• To identify specific challenges faced by students with LD and the impact of accommodations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 63,802 responses from the 2014 Student Experience in the Research University Survey.
• Comparison of experiences between students with and without self-reported LD, considering demographic factors and accommodation status.

Main Results:

• Students with LD reported more difficulty with assignments, non-academic responsibilities, and skill-level-imposed obstacles.
• They perceived greater bias on campus and reported lower overall satisfaction.
• Only about one-third of students with LD received accommodations, with higher rates among wealthier, independent, and out-of-state students.
• Students with LD who received accommodations experienced more faculty contact and less assignment difficulty.

Conclusions:

• Students with LD face substantial academic and social challenges in university.
• Accommodations appear beneficial, but access remains limited for many students with LD.
• Further efforts are needed to ensure equitable support and reduce campus-wide bias for students with disabilities.