Barriers in the U.S. education system make it less likely for students with disabilities to finish high school, enroll in college, or complete a bachelor's degree.
These students also have more difficulties with student loan debt, according to newly released research from the Center for American Progress. College students reported to have a disability have a default rate of 35 percent on student loan repayments compared to 28 percent of students who do not.
Along with physical disabilities, health and processing problems – like learning disabilities, chronic illness, speech and language impairment, emotional disturbance and developmental delays – are protected under federal law.
What keeps a person with a disability from starting, maintaining or completing college?
Lack of appropriate accommodations, limited access to facilities or resources, and difficulty interacting with faculty are possible factors.
From taking exams to participating in campus life, what are a student's rights when working towards a higher education?
How are San Antonio area colleges accommodating the needs of students with invisible and physical disabilities?
View more programs from "The Source" series on Living With A Disability in San Antonio here.
Guests:
- Cindy Morgan, senior coordinator of student success for Disability Support Services and runs the Project Access program at Palo Alto College
- Melanie Cawthon, co-founder and executive director of disABILITYsa
- Stephanie Mauldin, student in the Project Access program at Palo Alto College and recent co-founder of 4 Leaf Coffee company
- Lia Davis, attorney for Disability Rights Texas
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
