Exploring the impact of gender and disability-based violence among post-secondary students in Nova Scotia

Abstract

The number of students with disabilities attending post-secondary education in Canada is on the rise. Despite increasing enrollment, students with disabilities remain less likely to attend post-secondary education or to finish their degrees than their nondisabled peers. These students face barriers and challenges associated with negative perceptions about disability and assumptions that accommodations are costly and unfair, that detract from their learning experience. For many, the experience of navigating systemic ableism and discrimination is an experience of violence with effects that can be especially harmful for students who also experience heterosexism and gender-based violence. While post secondary educational institutions have dedicated roles, resources, and programming for gender-based violence, the distinct experiences of students with disabilities have largely been overlooked. This research report outlines the findings from the project, Exploring the Impact of Gender and Disability-Based Violence Among Post-Secondary Students in Nova Scotia. It highlights experiences and impacts of violence as well as support seeking behavior among post-secondary students in Nova Scotia who have experienced gender and disability-based violence. The report concludes with recommendations related to advocacy, awareness raising, resource allocation and administrative processes.