OPENING DOORS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? WHAT DO WE STILL NEED TO KNOW?

Abstract

This article reviews the Community College Journal of Research and Practice research articles related to students with disabilities and establishes a focused research agenda addressing the issues either found in, or absent from, the articles. Using a modified qualitative methodology, three common themes were found: (a) campus factors supporting student success, (b) participant label ambiguities, and (c) research methodology selection. It is concluded that there is a continued need for research addressing staff development, accommodations, needs of specific disability groups, self-advocacy and self-determination approaches, and participant-oriented research methodologies used to serve students well.