A Qualitative Analysis of Educational Accommodation Services in Higher Education: Insights from Stakeholders

This research examines educational accommodation services for students with accommodation needs (SWANs) in higher education through a phenomenological case study of a Disability Resource Center (DRC) at a major public university in the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants, including students with disabilities (n = 8), disability specialists (n = 7), administrators (n = 3), and educators (n = 4). Findings revealed three overarching themes: Accessibility as an Institutional Value, Application Procedures and Personalization of Services, and Educational Accommodation Needs and Challenges. The results highlight the importance of institutional collaboration and move beyond technical adjustments toward embedding inclusion within the campus culture. These findings suggest that simplifying administrative procedures and implementing mandatory faculty training are essential steps for fostering equitable participation and long-term student success in higher education.