Voices from Spanish students with disabilities: willpower and effort to survive university |
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| Authors: | Anabel Moriña Víctor M Molina M Dolores Cortés-Vega |
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| Institution: | 1. Faculty of Education, University of Seville, Seville, Spain;2. Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain;3. Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain |
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| Abstract: | This article analyses the university experiences of 44 students with disabilities. The voices of Spanish students describe the reasons that lead them to choose a given university degree, their transition in the university, the perception they have of themselves as students and how they evaluate their academic results. This study was done with the biographical-narrative methodology using several different data collection techniques, such as narrative interviews, lifelines and photographs. Data analysis was based on an inductive coding system. The results of this study have enabled us to conclude that most of the students chose their degree course because they had a vocation for it, although their disability also influenced their decision. Some students had such a hard time during their first year that they had to change their course of studies. They thought they had to make a stronger effort than the rest of their fellow students, defined themselves as fighters and survivors, and valued this willpower as their main personal asset, above the outcome achieved. |
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| Keywords: | Higher education disability inclusive education transition perception as student academic results |
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