ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the educational system in the United States: changing perspectives of disability; disability services at the secondary and post-secondary level; an example of how one university has structured its disability services; and finally, unresolved issues concerning disability in American higher education. The Disability Services Office at the University of Minnesota offers more comprehensive services than disability offices on most campuses. Higher education institutions are currently addressing the needs of a diverse population of students with disabilities. In 1985, the US Department of Education commissioned a five year study of 8,000 special education students - the National Longitudinal Transition Study of Special Education Students. Post-secondary institutions are required to make reasonable accommodations in their academic programs for students with disabilities. Changes in eligibility requirements for receiving rehabilitation services have resulted in fewer college potential students receiving these services.
