East Tennessee State University Faculty Attitudes and Student Perceptions in Providing Accommodations to Students with Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine ETSU faculty attitudes and student perceptions in providing academic accommodations to students with disabilities. Participants of the study were ETSU students with disabilities who are registered with the Disabilities Services office and faculty members of ETSU. Students with disabilities were interviewed. An online survey was sent to faculty members via the ETSU email system. Disability law and disability compliance year books served as the primary documents that were reviewed for pertinent information. Grounded theory using a constant-comparison methodology served as the conceptual framework for the study. The grounded-theory approach allowed for the perspectives of students and faculty to be shared and analyzed. Constant-comparison methodology was used to interpret the data through the critical lens perspectives and experiences of students with disabilities. Interview, online survey, and document review were 3 methods of data collection used in this study. The findings of the study indicated that the experiences and perspectives of ETSU students with disabilities differ regardless of visible or invisible disability. Findings also indicated that faculty attitudes towards providing accommodations to students with disabilities were generally positive. However, attitudes of faculty members at ETSU did mirror the attitudes of faculty members at other universities in the provision of certain accommodations based on type (classroom or testing.) In general, faculty members were less willing to alter a test than to provide extended time for a test. Also, faculty members were less willing to provide lecture notes as opposed to allowing a student to record a lecture. It is suggested that the willingness of a faculty member to provide accommodations may hinge on knowledge, experience, and ease of providing the accommodation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]