Title page for ETD etd-05042004-013456

Type of Document

Dissertation

Author

King, James Michael

Author's Email Address

jmking@vt.edu

URN

etd-05042004-013456

Title

Dynamics of Concealed Disabilities among Students at a Major Research University in a Rural Area

Degree

PhD

Department

Teaching and Learning

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name	Title
Asselin, Susan B.	Committee Chair
Abraham, Jane L.	Committee Member
Angle, Susan P.	Committee Member
DePauw, Karen P.	Committee Member
Reilly, Virginia J.	Committee Member

Keywords

Difference
Research Institution
Rural
Accommodations
Concealed Disabilities
Higher Education
Labels
Identity
Stigma
Marginalization

Date of Defense

2004-04-21

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

This research explores the experiences and attitudes of nine full-time students with disabilities at Virginia Tech who choose to conceal their identity as individuals with disabilities in various contexts. The definition of disability is expanded to include those individuals who perceive themselves to be disabled, with or without meeting diagnostic or legal criteria, since many of those who conceal their differences may choose not to pursue such forms of official classification and identification. In a series of interviews, participants provide insight into their experiences, labels and discourse that have shaped those experiences, and outcomes of identification as individuals with disabilities. A variety of themes emerging from the interviews, under the categories of experiences, labels and discourse, and outcomes of disability, are analyzed and discussed. This research aims to explore and develop a greater understanding of these individuals and what their stories have to offer through an emic perspective.

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