Abstract

PEREZ-CASTRO, Judith. Between barriers and enablers: The experiences of university students with disabilities. Sinéctica [online]. 2019, n.53.  Epub Aug 28, 2020. ISSN 2007-7033.  https://doi.org/10.31391/s2007-7033(2019)0053-003.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education. This paper is part of a research carried out in two institutions: The National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco. It was a case study research and, as part of it, we interviewed a group of students with disabilities and, at the same time, analyzed institutional policies on inclusion and statistical data. Results showed that students face structural barriers, for example, difficulties to complete institutional procedures and to adjust syllabus contents and learning activities; environmental barriers, such as the lack of accessibility to institutional facilities and to specialized literature; and attitudinal barriers, for instance, the unawareness of teachers, administrative staff and classmates. We conclude that it is necessary to change cultures, policies and institutional practices, through comprehensive strategies in order to increase educational opportunities for these students.

Keywords : barriers; enablers; higher education; inclusion; disability.

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