Provision of Higher Education Involving Students with Disabilities: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This study was intended to assess the provisions of higher education with the involvement of students with disabilities (SwDs). A descriptive survey design was used by mixing quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting and analyzing data. Questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions were employed to collect data from different sources pertinent to the research. Available sampling was used to determine the targets of the study. Hence, the targets of this study were 109 SwDs who were pursuing their education in the four universities, namely Bahir Dar University, University of Gondar, Woldya University, and Wollo University in 2017 academic year. Forty two teachers who were engaged in teaching SwDs in inclusive class were also involved in the research. The findings showed that though teachers claimed they have a strong belief (mean=4.14) and positive attitude (mean=4.09) towards teaching SwDs, they didn’t effectively demonstrate these into their actual instructional practice. This variation was seen with a significant difference between teachers of Bahir Dar University and University of Gondar with better performance and Woldya and Wollo universities with limited practice. BDU and UOG universities were also found to be in a better position to address the needs of SwDs by rendering essential services though the degree of provisions was not to the level SwDs demanded. The findings also revealed that though there seemed to be opportunities for SwDs, these were not found to be enough to address their needs and bear the various challenges they face to pursue their education in higher institutions. Hence, based on the results, recommendations were made to improve the quality of academic and service provisions in the higher institutions involving SwDs.