Dissecting “Disability” Through The Eyes of Ability-Diverse Post-Secondary Students

Abstract

Addressing existing gaps in literature regarding ability-diverse students while dissecting current disability policy using an ableism as well as hegemonic lens through the eyes of the students themselves is necessary. The focus was on creating a strong voice and improving future policies. Eleven participants self-identifying as disabled were recruited from Sault College in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, Canada. From the interviews, there were five major reoccurring themes voiced by all participants; thoughts on the connotation of the word disability in today’s world, feelings about perception by the College community and the community at large on disability and those who are disabled, the importance of recognizing individual differences, how well supported they feel (in their personal lives and at the College), and overall recommendations from the participants about what needs to change to better their lives and experiences as well as the lives and experiences of future ability-diverse students across the PSE system.