File
Hinman M.1, Peterson C.A.2, Gibbs K.A.3
1Hardin-Simmons University, Physical Therapy Department, Abilene, United States, 2University of the Pacific, Physical Therapy Department, Stockton, United States, 3Texas State University, Department of Physical Therapy, San Marcos, United States
Background: The World Health Organization reports more than one billion people worldwide are affected by a disabling condition. Not surprisingly, many physical therapy educators are observing increased numbers of students with physical disabilities (SWPDs) who are applying to physical therapy programs. However, there is insufficient published information on the prevalence of SWPDs who are entering graduate level physical therapist (PT) and undergraduate physical therapist assistant (PTA) education programs and whether their accommodation needs, if any, are being met.
Purpose: The purposes of this study were to:
1) estimate the prevalence of SWPDs in PT and PTA programs,
2) identify common types of physical disabilities among this population,
3) document the types of accommodations requested by SWPDs,
4) describe perceptions of faculty and students related to the educational impact of accommodations,
5) describe the academic success rate of SWPDs, and
6) compare perceptions of faculty and students regarding potential employment opportunities and licensure restriction for SWPDs.
1) estimate the prevalence of SWPDs in PT and PTA programs,
2) identify common types of physical disabilities among this population,
3) document the types of accommodations requested by SWPDs,
4) describe perceptions of faculty and students related to the educational impact of accommodations,
5) describe the academic success rate of SWPDs, and
6) compare perceptions of faculty and students regarding potential employment opportunities and licensure restriction for SWPDs.
Methods: For this descriptive study two surveys were developed, one for faculty and one for students, to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Study information and SurveyMonkey® links were emailed to program directors at the 210 PT and 280 PTA programs accredited in the US by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Program directors were asked to distribute appropriate survey links to faculty and students. Frequency and chi-square analysis were utilized for quantitative data; narrative review with grouping and theme identification was utilized for qualitative data. This project was approved by the University Research Review Committee at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, USA.
Results: Respondents included 190 faculty and 720 students and indicated there were fewer SWPDs in physical therapy programs (5%) than in all other US graduate programs combined (7%). The physical disabilities encountered most often included limitations in vision/hearing and musculoskeletal issues with accommodations including specialized equipment, computer software, and extended clinic and testing time. Survey results suggest that the requested accommodations had little impact on classroom dynamics and the majority of SWPDs were graduating. Attrition tended to be related to exacerbation of medical conditions more than academic difficulties. Future employment concerns regarding physical demands, patient/clinician safety, and costs associated with providing accommodations were common between faculty and students, and nearly half of respondents supported licensure restrictions to ensure safe practice.
Conclusion(s): More data are needed regarding the factors influencing SWPDs to pursue careers in physical therapy as well as the resources available to accommodate these students and ensure their success once they are enrolled.
Implications: Examining factors that influence decisions made by SWPDs when considering physical therapy careers can help recruit cohorts that reflect societal needs. Additionally, faculty should fully utilize campus disability services personnel to help determine and develop appropriate accommodations. Exploring clinical educators perceptions about supervising SWPDs, as well as patients perceptions related to care provided by a PT/PTA with physical disability, can help the profession create meaningful career opportunities for SWPDs.
Funding acknowledgements: None
Topic: Education
Ethics approval: This project was approved by the University Research Review Committee at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, USA.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
