Abstract:

Benefits of post-secondary education (PSE) to both individuals and more broadly to Canadian society are indisputable (Finnie, Childs, & Wismer, 2011; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011). Evidence points to a connection between PSE and enhanced personal well-being (e.g., self-concept, self-esteem, personal and social development) and professional success (Berger & Parkin, 2009; Boothby & Drewes, 2006; Ontario Human Rights Commission). While there are calls for greater access to and support for persistence in PSE for persons with disabilities (Finnie et al.), there are not enough tangible supports that meet students’ perceived needs. The result is a continued significant under-representation of persons with disabilities in PSE in Ontario. This presentation describes the results of an online survey of students and graduates of PSE who have disabilities. Participants were invited to provide input into the development of a virtual network designed to provide support for PSE students with disabilities. Responses indicate that advocacy, accessibility, structural violence, understanding the academic world, and career success are important concepts for participants, while anonymity is a prevailing concern. Networking and social connectivity features that are positively perceived by participants include blogs, discussion boards, and mentorship opportunities. Implications of these findings in relation to the development of our virtual network will be presented.

References:
[1] Berger, J., & Parkin, A. (2009). The price of knowledge: Access and student finance in Canada; Chapter 1: The value of a degree: Education, employment and earnings in Canada. Ottawa, Canada: Millennium Research Program.
[2] Boothby, D., & Drewes, T (2006). “Returns to University, College and Trades Education.” Canadian Public Policy 32(1): p. 1–21.
[3] Finnie, R., Childs, S., & Wismer, A. (2011). Under-Represented Groups in Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Evidence from the Youth in Transition Survey. Toronto: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
[4] Ontario Human Rights Commission (n.d.). The opportunity to succeed: Achieving barrier free education for students with disability. Toronto: Author. Retrieved from http://www.ohrc.on.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/The_opportunity_to_succeed%3A_Achieving_barrier-free_education_for_students_with_disabilities.pdf
[5] Public Health Agency of Canada (2011). What determines health? Ottawa: Author. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/index-eng.phpe

Keywords:

Diversity, disability, virtual support, mentorship.