Support centers for students with disabilities in Israeli higher education: Development of a new service

Background: Despite worldwide changes in legislation, and the development of support programs for students with disabilities (SWD), low enrollment and high first-year dropout rates for SWD still remain (Dutta et al., 2009).... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Despite worldwide changes in legislation, and the development of support programs for students with disabilities (SWD), low enrollment and high first-year dropout rates for SWD still remain (Dutta et al., 2009). Recognizing the physical, academic, and social barriers regarding SWD inclusion in higher education, and in order to promote social justice, the National Insurance Institute supported the development of accessibility centers. Human service professionals, including occupational therapists, have become service providers at these centers, developing a new professional specialization. This study aims to examine service providers’ perceptions of their role and of the contribution of services they provide to SWD.
Method:
Using a qualitative-phenomenological approach, 16 service providers at 10 Support Centers were interviewed in 3 focus groups.
Results:
Content analysis revealed four main themes: (1) what are we doing and works for students; (2) are we responsible for the students’ success - what are the boundaries of our services; (3) who are we? a new professional specialization; (4) are we service providers or social activists?
Conclusion:
The new support centers have an important impact on the success of SWD, and on the promotion of campuses’ accessibility. However, there are no clear definitions of responsibilities. Identifying successful practices are crucial for the inclusion of SWD in higher education.
Application to Practice:
Many of the centers are coordinated by Occupational Therapists that draw upon previous knowledge to develop and shape practices. To improve services, practices should be shaped on the integration of professional and social justice models.