Through Different Lenses: Understanding Perceptions of Accessibility and Physical Disabilities at Lindenwood University
Loading...
Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
This presentation will share the results of my study that aimed to uncover and assess perceptions towards physical disabilities and accessibility at Lindenwood University. Previous research identified that disabled students face barriers in higher education that prevent them from feeling included and equal. My study paid particular attention to exploring individuals’ implicit biases towards physical disabilities by utilizing an Implicit Association Test (IAT). My methodology included a pre-IAT, group assignment, Lindenwood-specific scenario questions, a post-IAT, and a background survey. I gathered information regarding accessibility and perceptions of the campus while simultaneously encouraging exposure. The results of my study found that people do have biases towards physical disabilities. Additionally, participants reported a variety of accessibility issues present at Lindenwood University. These results bring awareness to how physically disabled students are perceived and the experiences they encounter at Lindenwood University, while also shedding light on the importance of exposure and possible improvements.
Recommended Citation
Bilton, Ava, "Through Different Lenses: Understanding Perceptions of Accessibility and Physical Disabilities at Lindenwood University" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 5.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/oral_presentation/1/5
Through Different Lenses: Understanding Perceptions of Accessibility and Physical Disabilities at Lindenwood University
This presentation will share the results of my study that aimed to uncover and assess perceptions towards physical disabilities and accessibility at Lindenwood University. Previous research identified that disabled students face barriers in higher education that prevent them from feeling included and equal. My study paid particular attention to exploring individuals’ implicit biases towards physical disabilities by utilizing an Implicit Association Test (IAT). My methodology included a pre-IAT, group assignment, Lindenwood-specific scenario questions, a post-IAT, and a background survey. I gathered information regarding accessibility and perceptions of the campus while simultaneously encouraging exposure. The results of my study found that people do have biases towards physical disabilities. Additionally, participants reported a variety of accessibility issues present at Lindenwood University. These results bring awareness to how physically disabled students are perceived and the experiences they encounter at Lindenwood University, while also shedding light on the importance of exposure and possible improvements.