Listening to Students: The Experiences of Disabled Students of Learning in a Selected University in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Disability is one of the most neglected forms of diversity, which usually results in the different forms of discrimination at community level. Nonetheless, more institutions of higher education are making an effort toward creating more inclusive settings for the students and staff. This study examined the lived experiences of the students with disabilities in an institution of higher education in Zimbabwe. Student experiences and disability are the main themes in this study. This study is phenomenological research that was carried out with a questionnaire survey which was conducted among seven participants. This was triangulated by interviews that involved two participants. Overall results showed that physical disability is the most prevalent amongst the students in the institution considered for the study. Moreover, the disabled students faced challenges at home and in their life at university, which affected them psychologically. In addition, while the students were conscious of the existing international and national protocols that promote their welfare, they were not well aware of those embedded within their university policies. Results also reveal that the disabled students suffered socially from stigma and negligence from their able-bodied counterparts and staff. Further, they had limited access to some of the physical structures that lacked ramps and lifts. To promote full participation of the disabled students in academic life, the institution is expected to formulate and implement a binding disability policy that promotes diversity and inclusive education. In addition, infrastructure, especially the old structures need to be refurbished with the disabled in mind.