Navigating higher education: the impact of support systems for students with disabilities

Abstract

This research sought to determine the impact of educational support systems on the success of students with diagnosed disabilities. The study included six undergraduate students enrolled at one Midwest University. Participants were also enrolled in Achieve Success - a remedial-based program for students with disabilities at the postsecondary level. Achieve Success is aimed at providing comprehensive support while fostering the development of academic independence among students with disabilities. Over the course of the study, six students participated in a series of individualized interviews with the researcher. Students were asked to share their experiences and reflect on how these experiences have impacted their abilities to become academically successful and determined in a higher education setting. The completion of individualized, semistructured interviews provided the researcher with an opportunity to further explore the impact of previous experiences and the development and utilization of support services on the academic success of students in postsecondary education.