Abstract
The study focused on the experiences of Students with Disabilities (SwD) at the University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus. It unpacks what shapes the experiences of SwD, both positive and negative, and how the support mechanisms put in place manage to help them to participate in higher education. Literature in South Africa suggests that the experiences of SwD are inadequately addressed. Most of the studies in South Africa are of a small scale and focus on students with the same disabilities. This study sought to address these gaps. Literature highlighted that there has been an increase of SwD entering HEIs globally. However, there are still obstacles such as physical barriers on campus, and attitudinal barriers from the university population which hinders full participation of SwD in to higher education. The study, therefore, adopted the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model which gives a comprehensive understanding of disability issues not only emanating from one dimension but the model portrays disability as a multi-dimensional facet. The model is a multipurpose classification that was created to be used in various sectors. The ICF model looks at disability as not caused by a single factor as depicted by other models but it looks beyond. The model recognises the interaction of impairment and environmental factors resulting in disability. Qualitative approach was used with semi-structured interviews in conjunction with participant observation as a method of data collection. This approach allowed for triangulation of data, ensuring that where data could not be collected via one method, it could be via another. The use of two methods also allowed data to be verified. This approach managed to give an insight to the experiences of SwD in higher education. English was used as a medium of communication to conduct the interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim to avoid distorting the meanings of the participants. Eleven participants were interviewed. The sample comprised of eight SwD, two staff members from the Disability Unit and one tutor who was teaching one of the participants. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and snowball method. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and nine themes were revealed. From the findings, the participants experienced both positive and negative experiences. Various issues emerged but the one which was critical was the barriers that were faced by students with visual and physical impairments in trying to participate in higher education. Also the role played by the support mechanisms put in place to help SwD such as the Disability Unit and individual departments were acknowledged. Highlighted were their strengths and weaknesses. Participants were very grateful for the assistance they received from different stakeholders despite their shortfalls. Provided were recommendations that emanated from the study which included that there should be awareness to ‘conscientise’ the entire university population about SwD around them and how they should learn to share the campus environment. Above all the ICF is an effective model used to explore the experiences of SwD in trying to participate in higher education. Its ability to look at both personal and contextual factors which provided a holistic overview of their experiences.
M.A. (Sociology)