Did You Know?

The development of positive personal beliefs enhances academic success for students with disabilities.

In a 1993 study by Smith and Nelson, 36 college students with disabilities were asked to identify factors that influenced their academic success. The factors were divided into two categories: personal beliefs, and social support and climate factors. Factors in the personal belief category were:

• Discipline and effort.
• Acceptance of disability.
• Personal ambitions.
• Self-confidence.
• Prior knowledge and experience.
• Ability.

Smith, D.J. & Nelson, J.R. (1993). Factors that influence the academic success of college students with disabilities. Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children, San Antonio, TX.