April 24, 2025 By CDHD Research results: student perceptions of accessibility In 2024, CDHD student trainee Kincaid Moberly began a research project as part of our student trainee research initiative. This project built on a study completed in 2020 by a former trainee, which focused on the sense of belonging among accommodated students with disabilities at the University of Idaho. With the help of Interdisciplinary Trainee Program Director, Dr Erik Luvaas, Kincaid took the project to the next step, exploring the relationship between perception of campus accessibility and inclusion and the academic success of students with and without disabilities. Kincaid conducted a survey of University of Idaho students with and without disabilities. The survey focused on different aspects of the college experience at the University of Idaho. This included: availability and quality of accessibility features availability and quality of support services perceptions of disability on campus student confidence in academic environments student comfort on campus The aim was to gage levels of isolation, academic self-efficacy, perception of campus climate and the importance of accessibility on campus. Research results The survey closed at the end of the fall 2024 semester. It was completed by 371 students with and without disabilities. Of those students, 42.9% identified as having a disability. After reviewing the results, Kincaid has found that students with disabilities at the University of Idaho reported significantly higher levels of loneliness than students without disabilities. They also have a lower assessment of campus climate and accessibility. Students with disabilities reported significantly lower levels of self-efficacy and social academic self-efficacy. This included low levels of confidence in performing different academic tasks such as participating in class discussions, taking good class notes, speaking to professors and staff, staying up-to-date with school work, and managing time effectively. The study concluded that a strong sense of belonging and positive campus climate are important factors that contribute to student success for students with and without disabilities. Efforts to address campus climate, environment and services may improve academic success for all students, particularly those with disabilities. Next steps Kincaid presented his research at this year’s EHHS IDEAS Symposium, taking first place for his presentation poster. He also presented his findings at the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Student Research Symposium this month. There’s still some data analysis ahead; however, next steps include developing materials to share his research results with University administration, students, legislators and community members. “I hope to see Institutional Research or CDAR continue this project, improve it and make it longitudinal. If that doesn’t happen, I hope that another student trainee will refine the research,” said Kincaid. Given his inspiration came from previous CDHD student research, it would be an appropriate next step in working to ensure that all students have what they need to live, learn, work and play in their communities.