According to the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)*, when compared to students without disabilities, students with disabilities do not get the same benefits from postsecondary education (PSE): They are less likely to pursue PSE in the first place. They must transition from a system with built-in supports to one where they must self-identify and register for supports. They are less likely to graduate. And those who do graduate experience worse labour market outcomes from the outset: They are more likely to be unemployed, to be low income, and to work in jobs without benefits.
HEQCO’s recommendations for the PSE sector – aside from better data collection and further research – include incorporating principles of Universal Design in Learning (UDL) into course materials, embedding general principles of accessibility and equity in teaching and learning, and supporting the school-to-work transition for PSE grads with disabilities.
What are your thoughts? Even better, what’s been your experience here?
What do you think?
* Source: K. Chatoor. (02-Jun-2021). Postsecondary Credential Attainment and Labour Market Outcomes for Ontario Students with Disabilities. HEQCO.
