Abstract:
In the collegiate atmosphere, people with non-apparent disabilities (such as mental health and psychological disabilities) need accommodations just as much as people who have apparent disabilities (such as physical disabilities). However, due to the nature of non-apparent disabilities, these accommodations are often disputed and difficult to define for those who work in higher education. Therefore, in my thesis I research a variety of accommodations often available for students with psychological disabilities at the collegiate level. Through factoring in national statistics, issues, and mental health trends, I comment on how Ball State University and other Indiana universities address the rising population of students with psychological disabilities. I then provide recommendations to better service this often unnoticed population for those who work in the field of higher education according to my research through addressing need to enhance accommodations to support already existing services such as counseling centers, collaborate with various departments on campus to raise awareness, and educate all involved in higher education to "see" the need for students with non-apparent disabilities.In the collegiate atmosphere, people with non-apparent disabilities (such as mental health and psychological disabilities) need accommodations just as much as people who have apparent disabilities (such as physical disabilities). However, due to the nature of non-apparent disabilities, these accommodations are often disputed and difficult to define for those who work in higher education. Therefore, in my thesis I research a variety of accommodations often available for students with psychological disabilities at the collegiate level. Through factoring in national statistics, issues, and mental health trends, I comment on how Ball State University and other Indiana universities address the rising population of students with psychological disabilities. I then provide recommendations to better service this often unnoticed population for those who work in the field of higher education according to my research through addressing need to enhance accommodations to support already existing services such as counseling centers, collaborate with various departments on campus to raise awareness, and educate all involved in higher education to "see" the need for students with non-apparent disabilities.
