Integration of Students with Disabilities in Egyptian Tourism Higher Education Institutions (THEIs): An Academic Perspective

Abstract

This study seeks to evaluate perceived institutional support and attitudes exhibited by academics towards the integration of students with disabilities (SWDs) in Tourism Higher Education Institutions (THEIs). The willingness of academics in accommodating SWDs and their interest in furthering professional development for the education of SWDs will also be assessed. A survey was randomly distributed to academic staffs in THEIs with a resulting 310 responses. A Path-Analysis model was implemented using Amos 25 for the testing and validation of research hypotheses. Results indicated positive attitudes among academics towards SWDs with a general willingness to accommodate and integrate them in THEIs. Findings also indicated that the institutional support academic perceive has a significant influence on academics as well as their willingness to support SWDs. This study suggests the strengthening of support and development of training for academics in relation to the education of SWDs. These suggestions and their practical implications for THEIs are detailed in this study. To the author's knowledge, this study will be the first investigation in discussing the academics perspective on the integration of SWDs in THEIs. The results obtained from this study would therefore contribute towards more future literature in this regard..