Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114750

Pauline J. Kelzer, DrPH, MPH, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, California State University East Bay, P. O. Box 1006, Alamo, CA 94507, 925-935-3753, pkelzer@csuhayward.edu and Melany Spielman, PhD, Department of Recreational Therapy, California State University East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94942.

Application of the Recovery Model in mental health has changed delivery of services in the community and impacted access to higher education for persons with mental disabilities. (Coleman, 2002). Campus agencies and support centers for students with disabilities have improved access. Growth of special institutes and centers for disseminating information has helped faculty and other members of the campus community. These developments have resulted in improved accommodations for students with mental disabilities. (Cheng and Spielman, 2004).

This study examines the experience of one university, California State University East Bay, with expanding services and access to students with mental disabilities using the Recovery Model. Creation of special services for disabled students on campus and development of a special group, The Institute of Mental Health and Wellness Education, resulted in greater understanding and more acceptance of students with disabilities.

Efficacy of the Recovery Model is examined in relation to evidence of increased enrollment of mentally disabled students. Policy issues are reviewed and conclusions drawn regarding expanded access, liability coverage, and risk by diagnostic category.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine components of The Recovery Model used in higher education.
• Analyze application of the Recovery Model in one university.
• Review efficacy of the Recovery Model for resolving policy issues of equity and access to higher education for persons with mental disabilities.

Keywords: Mental Health, Access

Related Web page: imhwe.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.