Financial Barriers

Evaluating Debtload and Financial Barriers for Students with Disabilities Within Canadian Postsecondary Education

Within Canada, students with identified disabilities incur the second highest amount of documented debt associated with attending post-secondary education of any student group. To date, there have been limited resources and information distinguishing the types of debt experienced (i.e., costs specifically associated with post-secondary education vs. housing, transportation or credit card debt). The Centre for the Study of Students in Postsecondary Education (OISE/University of Toronto) and NEADS partnered in 2008-2009 to engage in a large scale Pan-Canadian research venture to gain a fully comprehensive understanding of the debt load experienced by students with disabilities. Mahadeo will present the study and highlight the most poignant findings that illustrate not only financial barriers, but also how these barriers limit ones choices, experience and future educational decisions. The information may enhance the ability of disability service providers, financial aid officers and accommodations specialists to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities in post-secondary education are appropriately met. Optimally, the results from this study will assist policy-makers in their attempts to support access and success of this student population.

Speakers | Mahadeo Sukhai |

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