Strategies for Increasing Accessibility and Equity in Health and Human Service Educational Programs: Protocol for a National, Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Introduction: Despite legislation mandating accommodation policies in higher education, support for learners with disabilities is often not implemented within health and human services (HHS) education programs, particularly in fieldwork settings. This paper will describe the protocol of a study aimed to (a) explore challenges and opportunities of current practices for supporting learners living with disabilities in a fieldwork context, across 10 HHS programs; and (b) develop, pilot and evaluate innovative accessibility practices to decrease existing barriers faced by educators and learners. Method: Using a critical disability studies framework, we designed a national, multi-profession, mixed methods design. Data are collected through interviews (qualitative) and an online survey (quantitative) that participants complete prior to the interview. Additionally, an online mapping diary is used to facilitate the understanding of accessibility in fieldwork education from the perspective of the learners. Participants include learners living with disabilities, academic fieldwork coordinators, fieldwork educators, accessibility advisors and professional organizations representatives. Implications: Learners living with disabilities navigate systemic barriers: (a) the additional “work of being a disabled learner”, during a rigorous academic program, and (b) absent or inadequate fieldwork accommodations. Exploring those systemic barriers as faced by all partners offers the potential to develop strategies and tools to foster inclusive and accessible HHS education.

Keywords

• learners with disabilities
• higher education
• health professions
• accommodations
• fieldwork education