Disabled students face inequities in college resources, says report

Students with disabilities face challenges when it comes to their access to the proper postsecondary educational tools needed for success, according to a new report by the Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM). The commission found that, among other issues, disability resource service providers and university educators often find themselves spending an exorbitant amount of time seeking out instructional materials appropriate for students with disabilities.

The researchers also found that students with disabilities, especially those with print disabilities, typically have difficulty gaining access to good learning materials or the delivery mechanisms necessary for their use.

“The AIM Commission’s report sheds light on the hurdles students with disabilities too often face in accessing and completing higher education courses,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a press release. “Their recommendations will help our colleges and universities offer more effective resources that meet the needs of all students and provide students with disabilities the 21st century learning tools they need to be successful.”

The report did note, however, that some textbook manufacturers are working on solutions to better incorporate quality learning materials into their arsenal of tools for students with disabilities.

“Given the growing population of students with disabilities pursuing higher education, this report will be a valuable resource in improving our ability to better serve students with disabilities while also helping more students complete postsecondary programs,” said Dr. Alexa Posny, assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

The commission made 18 recommendations to Congress on their findings, saying the suggestions should be applied as a means to combat the problems outlined in their latest report. According to the Department of Education, some of those recommendations include the following:

• Congress should authorize the United States Access Board to establish guidelines for accessible instructional materials that will be used by government, in the private sector, and in postsecondary academic settings.

• Congress should consider incentives to accelerate innovation in accessibility by publishers and producers of course materials, hardware and software by offering support and inducements for the production, sale and consumption of accessible instructional materials and delivery systems.

• The commission recommends that federally sponsored projects and programs encourage and support systematic faculty and staff professional development with respect to selection, production and delivery of high-quality accessible instruction materials to meet the needs of students with disabilities in postsecondary settings.