Understanding the experiences of college students with learning disabilities

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20221987

College is an important and significant undertaking for any student, especially for someone with a learning disability. The number of students with a learning disability entering post-secondary education is increasing each year; therefore, it is important for academia to increase its understanding of students with learning disabilities and the perception of their experiences while they navigate their way through college. Using the theoretical framework of Self-Determination Theory, the purpose of this Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study was to understand and describe the experiences of students with a learning disability as they make their way through college. As such, this study sought to answer the following research question: How do upperclassmen college students with a learning disability describe their college learning experiences at a private university located in the Southeast United States? The participants perceived that by concealing their learning disabilities, it would be easier for them and they would avoid being stigmatized. However, they understood in order to receive accommodations they had to self-disclose this information after leaving high school. The participants faced many adversities; however, it was their resilience that made them successful. The findings are relevant for secondary and post-secondary professionals who provide services to students with learning disabilities. However, additional research is needed to explore the perspectives of students with learning and physical disabilities to include diversity such as gender, ethnicity and other characteristics that may be unique to the specific college.