A Case Study of the Involvement of Undergraduates with Physical Disabilities in Campus Organizations at East Tennessee State University.

• Main Author: Alexis, Lance
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2008
• Subjects: campus student organizations/involvement; undergraduates with physical disabilities; Disability and Equity in Education; Education
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1899; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3251&context=etd

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of relationship that existed between undergraduates with physical disabilities at East Tennessee State University and campus student organizations. The study was designated a case study as it focused on one institution of higher education. Interview and document review were the 2 methods used for data collection. People from 2 select groups were interviewed on a one-on-one basis. One group was people involved in recruiting for selected campus organizations geared toward undergraduates and the other group was undergraduates with observable physical disabilities. Constitutions, bylaws, mission statements, and other documents offered by the recruiters for the select organizations were reviewed in an effort to discover references to people with disabilities. The results of the study are intended to assist in bridging the gap between involvement in extracurricular organizations and undergraduates with physical disabilities at East Tennessee State University. It has been documented that increased campus involvement lends itself to successful college and post-graduate careers, so it is a relevant issue to resolve. Campus organizations can benefit because their recruiters will have the opportunity to view ways to reach a new pool of possible participants. The findings could also prove beneficial to any campus experiencing a similar phenomenon.