Phase 2: Should I stay or should I go?’ Students with disabilities in higher education: the effect of supports on completion rates

This research will focus on the experiences of students with disabilities in 3rd level education from the perspective of the impact of inclusive policies and supports on entry, progression and completion rates.
The aim of this research will be to explore the increasing presence that students with disabilities have in 3rd level education and to identify what factors are influential in supporting them and the areas that cause difficulty.  In pursuing this overall aim the research also sets the following objectives:

• Provide a summary of the research available on supporting students with disabilities in higher education
• Compare the retention rates of students with disabilities across Higher Education Institutions in Ireland
• Evaluate supports and interventions for students with disabilities that have a positive effect on student retention rates.
• Identify means by which positive supports can be transferred to the wider student population
• Critically analyse and appraise the current policies and procedures that underpin the support services provided to students
• Report findings and provide recommendations to Higher Education Institutions in Ireland

The main research approach will be the use of case studies.  Additional research methods will include statistical analysis and longitudinal studies.  The quantitative aspect of this research will be confined to indicating student participation rates and retention outcomes.

Declan Reilly
Ph D student, School of Education
Trinity College Dublin