Study shows students with disabilities are increasingly attending college

By Staff Writer

According to a recent study by SRI International - an independent research organization - the number of young adults with special needs who participate in volunteer or community service has grown from 13 percent in 2009 to 25 percent in 2005. In addition, the number of students with savings accounts grew from 44 percent in 1990 to 56 percent in 2005.

The results of the study also showed that 46 percent of students enrolled in college or postsecondary school within four years of leaving high school in 2005, compared to 26 percent in 1990.

Lynn Newman, a senior education researcher at SRI and project director for the study, said in a press release that she thinks the increases are due to improved assistance for high school students with special needs.

"In general, high schools are providing more support and enhanced educational programs for students with disabilities," Newman said. "And students are increasingly taking rigorous academic courses in high school, which better prepare them for postsecondary education."

Susan Switzer - a special education teacher - told Mercury News that societal trends have helped influence opportunities for students with disabilities.