Understanding our Students
Understanding Disability
The way disability is understood is changing. Featured resources to learn more about how people who experience disability have been treated over time are included below.
Videos that appoach Disability from a person-first perspective
Disability Services has a YouTube channel featuring Aimee Mullins on the Opportunity of Adversity as well as selected clips from the It's Our Story Project
Another great resource is the The Disability History Exhibit which chronicles the treatment of people who experience disability over time, focusing on medical, social, and moral viewpoints.
Trends in the Student Population
Disability is encountered by most people at some point within their lives, either directly, or through the experiences of a friend or family member. This page provides context on national data, PCC specific breakdowns, as well as information and resources to better understand particular subpopulations.
Disability in Higher Education in the United States
The US Government Accountability Office released a report titled "Higher Education and Disability: Education Needs a Coordinated Approach to Improve Its Assistance to Schools in Supporting Students"
Highlights:
- In general, students with disabilities are similar to their peers without disabilities
- More students with disabilities are pursuing higher education
- Veterans with acquired disabilities are enrolling at high rates
- Assistive technology has expanded educational opportunities
- Awareness of disability and accessibility needs to increase
Data from the US Census
According to the US Census report titled “Americans with Disabilities: 2010” 57 Million people living in the United States in 2010 experience disability. They represent 19 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population.
PCC Student Breakdowns
Approximately 1,300 students are eligible to use accommodation each year at PCC.
- Many attend courses on more than one campus.
- Many experience disability in multiple ways.
- Some choose to engage in the accommodation process, some do not.
- Diverse group because disability cuts across race, gender, socio-economic status, etc