“I’m Not Asking for Special Treatment, I’m Asking for Access”: Experiences of University Students with Disabilities in Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Disabilities
Abstract
It is often challenging for youth with disabilities to access university education in Africa, and
for those who manage to make it to university, while there, their experiences are still not barrier-free.
The purpose of this study was to uncover the experiences of the barriers and facilitators to inclusion
for youth with disabilities in universities in South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia. This qualitative
project applied a critical, participatory research approach to exploring youth experiences. Youth with
disabilities and their colleagues conducted seven focus group discussions, with an average of five
students in each focus group, and we used a qualitative descriptive method to analyze data. The
findings uncovered similarities and differences in the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education
among students with disabilities across all sites. Participants noted limited financial support and
university services, and how inaccessible spaces and harmful attitudes are all barriers that hinder
their access to education and inclusion. The identified facilitators include support systems and
self-directed facilitation. Although the students self-advocated and reported some support to assist
in their inclusion in university, it was still insufficient. Notably, some universities are making a
concerted effort toward inclusion and accessibility, but more work needs to be done.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
disability, education, inclusion, university, accessibility
Citation
Citation: Abrahams, D.; Batorowicz, B.; Ndaa, P.; Gabriels, S.; Abebe, S.M.; Xu, X.; Aldersey, H.M. “I’m Not Asking for Special Treatment, I’m Asking for Access”: Experiences of University Students with Disabilities in Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa. Disabilities 2023, 3, 114–128. https:// doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3010009