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Navigating the Campus: Accessibility Challenges for Students with Disabilities

Author

Listed:
  • Easaw Alemayehu ASSEFA

    (Displaced International, USA)

  • Chehos Kebede ZENEBE

    (Cruise School, Ethiopia)

Abstract

The research in this paper reviews the literature on students with disabilities (SWDs) in higher education to assess their access to education. show the need for every instructor and educational institution to ensure that students' needs are meet appropriately for every student. The research identifies three primary areas of accessibility challenges: originates physical, digital and social rules. Examples of physical barriers are barriers in the structures that include ramp, transport issues and reduced access to classes and other facilities. They pose challenges on student's mobility and engagement in the academic community. Digital accessibility problems stem from inadequate web-based learning interface design and absence of equally effective educational media in the form of text, which limits students' interaction with curricular content. Students with disability also suffer from social and emotional problems that include stigma, discrimination, and inadequate mental support and health care. The research also discusses the institutional responses to these challenges based on disability service and accommodation. It covers the kind of facilities provided and assesses the present service delivery system. Also, it provides information regarding the matters related to the access such as training programs for campus access audits. It is hereby important to note that the study reviews case studies of higher education institutions which are keen on promoting access for students with disabilities and demonstrates good practices as well as provides recommendations for other institutions. Though progress has been made, studies still lack focus that arises when disability intersects with other forms of diversity and the need for the study is still inadequately addressed. This paper ends by retracing the key lessons for policy and practice while calling on institutions not to overlook the importance of accessibility as a core responsibility. When higher education institutions encourage a culture of diversity and equality then the opportunities available within college can improve learning outcomes and remove barriers to success for the students.

Suggested Citation

  • Easaw Alemayehu ASSEFA & Chehos Kebede ZENEBE, 2025. "Navigating the Campus: Accessibility Challenges for Students with Disabilities," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 12(1), pages 160-170, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:jsserr:v:12:y:2025:i:1:p:160-170
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15804534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Mohamed A. Zayed & Mohamed A. Moustafa & Musaddag Elrayah & Ibrahim A. Elshaer, 2024. "Optimizing Quality of Life of Vulnerable Students: The Impact of Physical Fitness, Self-Esteem, and Academic Performance: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-21, May.
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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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