Degree Name
Master of Arts
Graduate Program
Speech Communication
Advisor
Pensoneau-Conway, Sandy
Abstract
This research report delves into the complexities of the disabled student body accessing accommodations and seeking needs to be met specifically pertaining to disability support services (DSS) as a campus resource. It employs fictional dialogues and composite characters to vividly illustrate the interactions between students, parents, and DSS staff, highlighting the challenges in communication and accommodation. An intercultural communication perspective is used to pave the way to think about difference, specifically how it pertains to disability as an identity categorization. The paper contrasts the social and medical models of disability, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these perspectives. It underlines the importance of empathy, intercultural communication skills, and the balance between procedural adherence and individual needs in DSS. The narrative approach is used to shed light on the diverse experiences and needs within the DSS framework, advocating for more personalized and understanding approaches in educational settings.