Disabled and Dreaming of Nursing? USC Just Launched a New Program For Disabled Nurses
The University of South Carolina (USC) is taking a bold step toward addressing workforce diversity in nursing by creating new opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enter the profession. Armed with significant funding announced on July 23, 2025, USC is setting out to make nursing education more inclusive and accessible. This initiative couldn’t come at a better time, especially with the cited ongoing workforce challenges and noted the limited presence of individuals with disabilities in healthcare professions.
Here’s a staggering fact to set the stage: While roughly 26% of U.S. adults have some form of disability, less than 2% of the healthcare workforce identifies as disabled. That gap doesn’t just reflect a missed opportunity for equity—it means we are likely missing out on the unique insights and skills these individuals bring to the table.
Making Nursing Education Accessible for All
One of the biggest wins of this initiative is how it plans to remove barriers that have historically made nursing education inaccessible for students with disabilities. The initiative is spearheaded by Susan Newman, Health Sciences Endowed Chair, in partnership with Able SC, Lexington Medical Center, and the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities (NOND). As a rehabilitation nurse and researcher, Newman has focused her career on collaborating with individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities to advance health, independence, and inclusion in the community.
“I’ve seen firsthand the invaluable expertise and perspective they bring—not just as patients, but also as advocates, innovators and leaders,” says Newman. “What makes the project especially powerful is that it’s being co-designed and implemented with people with disabilities, not just for them.”
Key Program Components
- Adaptive clinical simulation environments: Think hands-on training spaces that are designed with accessibility in mind.
- Specialized academic support services: Extra help tailored to students’ specific needs.
- Technology accommodations: Tools to help students with disabilities meet clinical and academic requirements.
The University of South Carolina (USC) is collaborating with regional healthcare facilities to develop tailored clinical placements for students with disabilities. This approach ensures that these students aren’t just able to complete their nursing education—they’re also positioned for success as they begin their professional careers.
The initiative’s support extends beyond students. Licensed nurses with disabilities will benefit from resources focused on career development, peer mentorship, and advocacy. Additionally, USC Nursing faculty and partner hospitals will participate in yearly professional development workshops, all aimed at advancing accessible health care for people of all abilities. This comprehensive strategy supports a more inclusive nursing workforce and promotes accessible care in clinical settings.
Changing the Conversation Around Disability in Nursing
The University of South Carolina’s commitment to disability inclusion in nursing signals a transformative shift for both students and the wider healthcare profession. As Susan Newman explains, “This program has the potential to reshape nursing education and practice by modeling what true inclusion looks like and providing support and strategies on how to do it. It’s about building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and ensuring that disability is seen as an essential dimension of diversity”.
By documenting the journey—highlighting what succeeds and what needs refinement—USC aims to provide a replicable model that other institutions can adopt. The initiative isn’t limited to aspiring nurses; it continues USC’s legacy of inclusive education, expanding successful programs from intellectual and developmental disability support to the vital realm of healthcare. For students with disabilities who aspire to nursing careers, this program delivers a clear message of belonging and validation: We see you. We value you. And we know you can make a difference!
🤔 Nurses, what do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.
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