College Students ’ Access to Academic Accommodations Over Time: Evidence of a Matthew Effect in Higher Education

We examined college students ’ access to accommodations as a function of institutional type, selectivity, and cost over time. Although access to accommodations increased from 2.8 to 5.2% over the past 12 years, this change was largely driven by students attending America’s most selective and expensive private institutions. Access to accommodations was significantly lower and remained relatively stable among students attending 2-year public colleges. These findings suggest a Matthew effect in higher education in which students most in need of academic support are increasingly least likely to receive it. We suggest fou r ways to reduce this access inequality: (1) encourage universal design, (2) facilitate access for students with disabilities from disadvantaged backgrounds, (3) critically evaluate documentation from students without real-world limitations, and (4) insist on evidence of symptom or performance valid ity before granting accommodations.
Source: Psychological Injury and Law - Category: Medical Law Source Type: research