A Preliminary Investigation of the Perception of Disability and Historical Trauma on a Tribal College Campus

2017

Myra Reynoso
[email protected]
617-287-4370

Native Americans have experienced a long history of colonization and genocide, which has had a devastating effect on the health, both physical and emotional, of native people (Young, 1994, Health of Native People). This has ultimately affected many aspects of their lives including education. The aim of this qualitative study was to understanding the perceptions of faculty and staff on a Midwestern Tribal College campus regarding disability and historical trauma. Participants completed an open-ended questionnaire related to disability, student accommodations, and historical trauma. Five themes emerged, including novel themes such as unidentified mental health issues, limited accommodations for students, and variation in understanding Historical Trauma. The participants responses indicate a need for improvement of disability-related services as well as professional development and further research on the effects of historical trauma. Implications for educators, researchers and rehabili

historical trauma, disability services, American Indian Tribal College

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals submitted

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Policymakers, Students

N/A