Dr. Melissa Wood is the Director of Title IX, Access, and Student Advocacy at Hampden-Sydney College. She has extensive experience supporting students with disabilities across community college and four-year institutions, with a focus on improving access, persistence, and retention. She previously served in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and received the Chancellor’s Faculty Fellowship (2016), Faculty Peer Fellow Award (2012), and Educational Excellence Awards (2012, 2015, 2016). She currently serves on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s (SCHEV) Disabilities Access to Higher Education Advisory Committee, advising on policies to strengthen student retention and success across Virginia colleges and universities. Her research and practice explore the intersection of access and student success, with an emphasis on translating federal legislation into effective institutional practices. In addition to her work in the United States, Dr. Wood has presented to audiences in Canada and the United Kingdom and is an experienced speaker and trainer.
Abstract
Over the past several decades, enrollment of students with disabilities in higher education has steadily increased. However, disparities in retention and degree completion persist. Although federal laws such as the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act guarantee equal access, many students continue to encounter barriers that affect their academic experience. These challenges are often more pronounced in community colleges, which serve diverse populations and often operate with limited resources. This paper examines two key barriers and highlights best practices that institutions can implement to improve accessibility, strengthen support systems, and promote persistence and success for students with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Wood, M.
(2026).
From Access to Success: Addressing Barriers for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education.
Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges,
29
(1).
Retrieved from https://commons.vccs.edu/inquiry/vol29/iss1/7
