A STUDY OF PROGRAMS FOR HANDICAPPED STUDENTS AT COMMUNITY COLLEGES

This study provides an historical overview of handicapped adults\u27 participation in higher education. It clarifies the legislative history and legal mandate of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It describes the issues involved in determining the cost of providing access to higher education for handicapped individuals and suggests possible benefits or outcomes a handicapped person may find as a result of participation. Specifically, a study of programs for handicapped students was conducted at four community colleges in the Philadelphia area. Each program was examined for the academic years 1981-82, 1982-83, and 1983-84. Detailed costs of actual services were calculated. A questionnaire was sent to handicapped students who either graduated or transferred during the subject years to provide information on such outcomes as employment, reduction of transfer payments, and improved self-image. Cost and outcome data were compared for all three years at each institution and were combined to calculate marginal costs for overall program, successful program completion, and employment. It was found that the community colleges continue to serve more handicapped students each year, and provide a wide range of direct services. Physically handicapped students make up the majority of those who attend, but the number of learning disabled students is rapidly increasing. Costs for services are greater than for facilities modification, although there does not seem to be any consistent spending pattern from year-to-year or from institution to institution. Cost estimates are difficult to evaluate due to variations in program, students, and services. The majority of students surveyed found that their college experience contributed to positive feelings about self. The percentage of program completers was less than 12% at all four colleges with between 40 an 55% of these now employed. When marginal costs are calculated to obtain a measure of program effectiveness, in most cases the costs are extremely high. This suggests redesign or restructuring of services may be warranted to improve effectiveness and further implies the need for continuing program evaluation