Perceived influences on social integration by students with physical disabilities

Sixteen students with physical disabilities voluntarily participated in int erviews regarding their social involvement on campus. The sample included 7 males, 9 females, and 3 persons from ethnic minorities. Analysis of this q ualitative data resulted in the identification of perceived influences incl uding low expectation for social involvement and inconvenience of accessing social opportunities. Students identified (a) perceived lack of acceptance by peers, (b) transportation, (c) scheduling of extracurricular events, an d (d) need for assistive care as primary barriers to involvement whereas id entification with subgroups was indicative of social integration.