Accommodating post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in student veterans at texas community colleges: a collective case study analysis of the experience and perceptions of disability service practitioners

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2018-04-09

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Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of community college disability service providers and how they are reasonably accommodating student veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Student veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are utilizing their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and enrolling in community colleges in record numbers. Although no definitive number of student veterans is currently available, estimates range from approximately 40,000 to more than 500,000 with approximately 40% of those returning veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or TBI, the signature injuries of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans have been a part of higher education since colonial times, but the student veterans returning to campuses now bring with them injuries that impact their ability to learn. Disability service providers at colleges and universities must understand the impact these disabilities have on student veterans.

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Keywords

Community college, Veterans, Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, Traumatic brain injury, TBI

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