Learning from Our Students: Perceptions from Students with Disabilities

Abstract

Educators have a responsibility to encourage diversity in nursing education, including students with disabilities. There is a paucity of data regarding experiences of the students with physical challenges in nursing programs. These case studies present the self-reported experiences, outlooks, and perceptions of three physically disabled baccalaureate, pre-licensure nursing students. This was a representative convenience sample of all three self-identified students with physical disabilities in the two participating nursing programs. The perspectives shared will further educate faculty in the extraordinary challenges faced by the physically disabled nursing students, and inform ideas about inclusiveness in nursing education.