The Thorny Dilemma of Gatekeeping versus Inclusion for Students with Disabilities

ABSTRACT

Students with disabilities continue to face difficult obstacles in education. Many times, efforts to assist students are inconsistent, directed by faculty with little knowledge of disability issues, or are reactive efforts to overcome specific problems. The social work faculty at Valdosta State University decided to develop a comprehensive and ongoing program to address disability issues proactively and in a broad sense. Developing the program from intensive literature review, feedback from alumni and students, and assistance from administration has resulted in many successes and an admission that any efforts to develop such a program must be continually reviewed and revised.