In the study presented here, the unique situation of Canadian students with visual impairments was examined through surveys and interviews with students and staff members of disabilities centers. The study revealed that program-completion rates are high, yet barriers exist that negatively affect the higher education experience. The staff members estimated that it takes 1.5 extra academic years for students with visual impairments to complete their programs and that, on the basis of their experience, most do complete their programs. Yet, it is possible that the estimates provided by the staff reflect
their own experience with a small group of students, rather than the entire group of Canadian students with visual impairments. However, Shaw et al. (2007) showed that the percentage of Canadians with visual impairments with diplomas or degrees was similar to that of the Canadian population as a whole, suggesting that students with visual impairments are as likely as any other students to complete their programs of study. Prior to entering institutions of higher education, the students thought that there were fewer academic and social supports available in higher education and that this perception leads other students with visual impairments to shy away from considering higher education. However, Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Levine, and Marder (2007) found that 94% of youths with visual impairments believe they will continue on to higher education, although many do not expect to complete their diplomas (31%) or degrees (19%). This attitude may reflect students’ lack of confidence in their abilities. On the basis of their own experiences, the students and staff perceived that students may not apply to institutions of higher education because of low selfconfidence. Having low confidence may reflect an accurate perception of poor preparation for higher education. Certainly, according to Reed and Curtis (2011), high school teachers stated that many of their students with visual impairments had lower academic standings than their peers.