National Databases with Information on College Students with Disabilities

The purpose of this report was to identify and provide an overview of national databases containing information about college students with disabilities. Eleven instruments from federal and university-based sources were described. Databases reflect a variety of survey methods, respondents, definitions of disability, and research questions. Some databases have been used and revised over time. Others allow for focused inquiries to current questions about college students with disabilities. Results show national databases are gathering information at important points in time during students’ educational careers including before, during, and after college graduation. There are, however, significant gaps in the breadth and usability of current datasets that include information on college students with disabilities.