Contributing Factors to Academic Performance for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities comprise a significant portion of college students and helping more students with disabilities succeed would be beneficial. Currently, colleges have successfully offered assistance to these students, and it has enhanced their ability to both attend and succeed in college. However, students with disabilities are less likely to access available resources through the Department of Disability Support Services once enrolled in college and are less likely to complete their education once started. Improved ability to manage life and school has been cited as important factors related to success at college for all students. Disabilities make managing life and school an even more pressing issue. This exploratory pilot study assessed whether Disability Support Services undergraduate students' grit, resilience, satisfaction with life, wellness, and perceived health were associated with higher grade point averages. Findings indicated that better health was associated with higher grade point averages. Significant relationships were also found between frequency of engagement in health behaviors by students with disabilities and their resilience, grit, and life satisfaction. These findings suggest that Disability Support Services should work with students to manage and develop general health promoting lifestyle habits and encourage students with disabilities to access available resources.