Higher Education Has a Problem: Holistic Disability Inclusion and Belonging

Health impacts individuals from birth and throughout life. When health is compromised, shame, fear, and denial often arise. The hidden majority of chronically ill individuals face challenges in higher education and career progression, including disclosure, resource availability, and navigating career expectations. Current disability efforts in higher education primarily focus on students, leaving a gap in inclusion for faculty and staff. Failure to consider these individuals hinders disability inclusion and belonging in universities. The importance of including faculty and staff in disability-related processes cannot be understated. Disability must be a part of diversity to keep true to the goals of higher education.