Experiences of Engineering Students With Disabilities in the Accommodations Process: A Scoping Literature Review

Students with disabilities experience many barriers in higher education. Certain aspects of disciplinary culture may create more unwelcoming environments in engineering majors. The purpose of this literature review is to assess current scholarship describing the experiences of engineering students with disabilities as they engage in the accommodations process. Twelve studies met the criteria for this review. Common themes are that negative experiences are common; as students interact with instructors about disability and accommodations, there are various barriers to disclosure and using accommodations, including stigma, perceived negative attitudes of instructors, and costs for diagnosis; and instructor and institutional support are important to student success. When we can understand the structures that create barriers and unwelcoming climates for students with disabilities, as well as the supports and structures that create welcoming environments, then we can develop solutions that make engineering a more inclusive and equitable space.