Getting Global with It: The Rapid Growth in Higher Education and Disability-Focused Professional Literature
Lyman Dukes,
Michael Faggella-Luby,
Nicholas Gelbar,
Melissa E. Mendoza,
Shea Charles,
Joseph Madaus
Affiliations
Lyman Dukes
Department of Language, Literacy, Ed.D., Exceptional Education, and Physical Education, College of Education, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Michael Faggella-Luby
Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences, Alice Neeley Special Education Research & Service (ANSERS) Institute, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
Nicholas Gelbar
Department of Educational Psychology, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
Melissa E. Mendoza
Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences, Alice Neeley Special Education Research & Service (ANSERS) Institute, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
Shea Charles
Department of Educational Psychology, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
Joseph Madaus
Department of Educational Psychology, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
This systematic review examines the evolution of higher education and disability-focused professional literature from 2013 to 2022, conducted across 77 countries. The review highlights the geographical distribution of the literature, methodologies utilized, and disability types represented in the publications. Results indicate the majority of the literature is concentrated in North America and Europe, with a principal focus on non-intervention research. Additionally, the review examines the thematic focus of the research, with results highlighting an emphasis on student-level studies. The current state of global higher education and disability literature emphasizes the impact of international legislative documents, declarations, and mandates on postsecondary education trends for individuals with disabilities. Lastly, insight is provided regarding areas that merit exploration to further advance higher education for individuals with disabilities worldwide.
