Disability Services as Related to Higher Education Leadership: An Exploratory Study

Author

Tara Wade Franklin, Abilene Christian UniversityFollow

Campus Location

Dallas Campus (Online)

Date of Award

5-2024

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7547-4992

Document Type

Dissertation

Department

Organizational Leadership

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Committee Chair or Primary Advisor

Julie Lane

Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor

Scott Self

Third Committee Member or Committee Reader

Jim Adams

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the number of students with disabilities (SWD) attending postsecondary institutions has increased, yet their completion rates remain significantly lower than those of students without disabilities. This mixed methods exploratory study investigates the role of provost leadership in supporting disability services and understanding the needs of SWD in higher education. The study focuses on Texas higher education institutions, examining the relationships between provosts and directors of disability services. Data collected through the e-survey with open-ended questions primarily came from directors of disability services. Quantitative analysis of Likert scale items explored domains such as leadership, collaboration, consultation, information dissemination, access, equity, office administration, operations, and professional development. Qualitative analysis provided more profound insights into organizational structures, institutional characteristics, and the collaborative dynamics between provosts and disability services directors. The findings reveal diverse perceptions and approaches regarding the alignment of disability services with institutional missions and the effectiveness of collaboration in promoting accessibility and equity for SWD. The study highlights the importance of communication, collaboration, and alignment with institutional goals to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment on college campuses.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Franklin, Tara Wade, "Disability Services as Related to Higher Education Leadership: An Exploratory Study" (2024). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 796.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/796