October 30, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on college students’ well-being, including students with mental health diagnoses. To understand the experiences of students with mental health diagnoses during the pandemic, Mental Health America surveyed 471 college students who identified as having mental health disabilities about their academic experiences and needs during this time.
Major findings include:
- 70% of students with mental health conditions did not register for disability accommodations, yet only 20% reported it was because they did not want accommodations.
- The majority of students receiving disability accommodations for mental health disabilities reported their needs changed during the pandemic, but most did not feel supported by staff during the transition.
- Education and financial, cultural, and logistical barriers make accessibility services inaccessible for many students.
To learn more about the students’ experiences and student-driven recommendations for campus leaders, check out the full report, Disability and Campus Mental Health: Understanding the Experiences of College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
