A working around "it": the experience of occupational therapy students with a disability.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of students with disabilities in occupational therapy (OT) programs. Telephone and email interviews were conducted with five students from different universities who volunteered to participate in the study. Interviews were transcribed, and researchers used the constant comparison method for data analysis. Trustworthiness was assured by using an audit trail, triangulation of data analysis, and member checking. Results revealed that students with disabilities (1) have a strong desire to "work around it," (2) desire support and understanding both within and outside the academic environment, (3) understand that disability is an essential part of who they are as people, and (4) believe that having a disability will enhance their own practice. The discussion includes ways to optimize the experience of being an OT student with a disability.