The authors note that an increase in disabled students does often note an increase in access for disabled students in higher education but does not have any bearing on whether or not academia still perpetuates ableism.

Correlation between Higher Numbers of Disabled Students and Ableism

A 2015-2016 study from the National Center for Educational Statistics reported that 19% of undergraduate students reported having a disability in the United States. This report also noted this number has increased and is projected to continue increasing. 

University of Wisconsin - Madison

- Percentage of Disabled Students in Higher Education
- Ableism in Academia
- Models of disability used in Universities

Background of Disabled Students in Higher Education

Abrams, E. J., Floyd, C. E., & Abes, E. S. (2024). Prioritizing Crip Futures: Applying Crip Theory to Create Accessible Academic Experiences in Higher Education. Disability Studies Quarterly, 43(4). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v43i4.8270

Prioritizing Crip Futures: Applying Crip Theory to Create Accessible Academic Experiences in Higher Education

Percentage of Disabled Students in Higher Education

Higher education has historically perpetuated ableism, with early instances rooted in the eugenics movement. During this period, academic research was frequently leveraged to determine who was considered "fit" or a "beneficial" member of society, thereby establishing foundational ableist practices in academia.

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