Personal assistance for students with severe physical disabilities in post-secondary education: Is it the deal breaker?

Abstract

Persons with severe physical disabilities are disadvantaged in the postsecondary education and the workforce due to inadequate education and educational supports. One of these educational supports is the availability of reliable and trained 24/7/365 personal assistance. Without adequate access to personal assistance, individuals with severe physical disabilities simply cannot attend and graduate from postsecondary degree programs. It is clear that if individuals with high support needs cannot live within the educational environment, they will not be able to succeed in the educational environment. This article examines the nature of this problem, describes current models of postsecondary disability support structures, and explores the difficulties and challenges inherent in personal assistance service provision. It is hoped that this discussion will prompt broader discourse regarding postsecondary services for students with severe physical disabilities and impact their participation in higher education.