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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and capture the experiences of disability services providers (DSP) within the community college setting as it relates to facilitating and coordinating accommodations for students with disabilities, collaborating with faculty and staff in implementing and arranging accommodations for students with disabilities, and collaborating with administrators of the institution and/or systems within which they work. The study was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological methodology with in-depth interviews and shadowing observations. The participants consisted of seven community college professionals who identified themselves as primary contacts for students with disabilities seeking accommodations at their individual institution. Data were collected using audio recordings of seven interviews and field notes made by the researcher following the shadowing observations of two participants. Pre-interview questionnaire, interview transcripts, observation field notes, and documents were reviewed and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from open-coding and captured shared experiences and perceptions of the participants: importance of awareness and education, pushing through barriers and overcoming obstacles, and value of relationships.