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National Disability Center

@natldisability.bsky.social
44 followers 101 following 32 posts

Over 4 million college students have a disability. But the actionable #edresearch foundation to support their success doesn’t exist — until now. | #IESfunded

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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
In our National Report on Faculty Accessibility Practices, 55% of faculty reported teaching fully in person, 35% hybrid, & 10% fully online. As campuses return to in-person instruction, hybrid learning remains a meaningful part of the landscape. What does that mean for accessibility across formats?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Faculty make daily decisions that shape disabled students’ access to learning. Research shows how disclosure concerns, inconsistent implementation of accommodations, and strong instructor support highlight the need for campus systems and classroom practices to work together from the start.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Access in college goes beyond accommodations. Try: - Asking for slides early - Using built-in accessibility tools - Mapping workloads ahead - Building study networks - Meeting instructors in office hours - Leaning on advising services These small choices can make a large impact this semester.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Faculty practices play a major role in shaping disabled students’ experiences in college. The National Report on Faculty Accessibility Practices examines how teaching decision and campus systems interact across career training programs, community colleges, four-year institutions. Check our website!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
What should health care practitioners avoid when writing documentation? - Generic letters - Assuming K–12 records will transfer - Late transition discussions - Skipping self-advocacy guidance Clearer practices lead to better outcomes.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
What strengthens continuity from K–12 to college? - Proactive campus outreach - Guidance on system differences - Support for self-advocacy - Documentation that avoids generic language Small shifts like these lead to better outcomes across systems.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
What makes accommodations documentation effective for college? - Current diagnosis - Clear academic impact - Specific accommodation recommendations - Provider credentials Stronger documentation helps campuses understand student needs and respond effectively.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
What strengthens developmental education for students using disability supports? - Coordinated advising connecting academic and accessibility services - Clear pathways through developmental courses - Faculty trained in accessible teaching practices - CCSSE data to understand where students grow
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
What affects student persistence? - Siloed campus services - Hidden curriculum around navigating college - Barriers in mobility, transitions, and documentation What campus practice has made the biggest difference for you?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
How do developmental courses help students using disability services? - Higher engagement scores - Increased confidence in academic skills - Stronger preparation for career planning What other reasons can you think of to support students enrolled in developmental courses?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
What does it mean to design for all? Accessible design ensures everyone, including people with disabilities, can use, navigate, and understand digital content. Accessibility isn’t a feature. It’s a shared responsibility. Check out this best practice on our website!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
What can institutions do to make disclosure easier? - Build trust through transparency - De-silo disability services - Train faculty to respond with empathy - Track progress beyond compliance Accessibility grows when every level of campus works together. Comment your tips below!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
What makes formal systems hard to access? - Long approval times - Documentation hurdles - Limited staff or resources - Complex registration processes Accessibility should not depend on endurance. What steps is your university taking to make this process easier for students?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
How can faculty make disclosure feel safe? - Offering multiple ways for students to connect - Anonymous check-ins - Flexible communication or open dialogue These support strategies can make a meaningful difference! What other strategies can you think of? Comment below!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Why do some students hesitate to disclose a disability? Past experiences and stigma often create emotional barriers. Building trust starts with listening and reducing judgment. Checking in and adjusting support over time, also ensures that students continue to have what they need to succeed.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Disability disclosure is complex, shaped by overlapping identities and stigma. In higher ed: - 20% disclose to instructor without a letter - 23% disclose with letter - 29% to institution - 56% to peers Many choose not to disclose at all.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
De-siloing mental health matters. Too often supports are fragmented and students fall through the cracks. Key pain points include: - Rising needs post-COVID - Outreach often missed - Low disclosure - Off-campus gaps - Faculty stretched thin Ever wondered how your institution can support?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Disability Cultural Centers are cultural anchors that make disability part of campus life—not just accommodations. Why establish a DCC? - Identity development - Visibility for disability - Community + connection - Celebrating strengths - Space for tough conversations What reasons can you think of?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Relational mentorship tips: - Listen first - Do your homework - Share your story - Advocate for access - Know campus resources - Build social capital Access grows when mentors and students learn together. What tips can you think of? Comment below!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Mentorship helps disabled students navigate college, access, and careers. Relational mentoring builds trust, grows both mentor and mentee, and supports success through shared learning and advocacy. Share your experience in the comments!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Ever wondered what the most-used accommodations in college looks like? - 48% extra time on tests - 32% quiet test settings - 16% alternative formats - 14% assistive tech - 9% note-taking support - 4% speech-to-text or captions - 2% large print/Braille, interpreters, or organizers
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Tips for faculty to support disabled students: - Welcoming tone - Learn from students - Use visual cues - Add access tech - Flexible deadlines - Varied office hours - Multiple response options - Guide group work - Review workload
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Tips to help students with disabilities (or not) start their semester strong: - Request slides in advance - Try access tech - Share what works - Plan ahead - Build peer networks - Meet professors early - Use reflective work - Advocate for peers - Use campus services
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Language and identity can be complex. Some prefer identity-first language (e.g., disabled person) while others use person-first (e.g., person with a disability). Which should you use? Start by asking—don’t assume. Respecting individual preference matters.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
What does real support look like on campus? - Universal resources - Proactive access - Asset-based mindsets - Legal compliance and culture change Access starts with action, not just policy. What’s one strategy you’ve seen work?
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Support helps students stay in college but many resources are reactive, siloed, or hard to access. Access isn’t just about accommodations. It’s about systems that work for everyone—no disclosure needed. Comment and let us know what helped you feel supported on campus!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Ever wondered how you can lead digital accessibility on your campus? - Start with awareness - Break silos - Invest in accessibility roles - Include disabled voices - Think beyond compliance Digital learning should work for every learner.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Digital access matters—especially in learning. UT Austin uses Ally, a tool in Canvas that helps faculty create more accessible course materials from the start. No extra steps. No waiting. Just better design for everyone.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
What does access really look like in practice? - Flexible deadlines - Materials in advance - Plan with access in mind - Learn how disability impacts participation Access grows when we lead with intention—not just policy.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Ever wondered what access really means in college? It’s more than just accommodations. It’s about how classrooms are built, materials are shared, and how students are expected to engage. True access starts when systems are designed with disabled students in mind—not after!
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Disability isn’t one size fits all. It can be physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental. Some disabilities are visible, others are not. Some are lifelong, others temporary. In higher education, understanding this range is essential to designing access that reflects real student experiences.
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National Disability Center @natldisability.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Access isn’t a checklist—it’s a commitment. At the National Disability Center for Student Success, our research draws from lived experience to understand what helps disabled students thrive—improving inclusion, boosting graduation, and preparing for life after college.
A square image featuring The Center’s logo at the top center, set against brand colors and subtle design elements. Below the logo, four college students are sitting together and talking. On the far left, a woman with light brown hair in a striped T-shirt is seated in a wheelchair. Next to her is a woman with golden brown hair wearing a blue T-shirt and smiling. To her right, a man with black hair in a denim jacket is playing with a pen. On the far right, another man with black hair, wearing a multi-colored T-shirt and headphones around his neck, sits beside him.
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