The Response of Accessibility Infrastructures for PWD to National Disability Policies in Higher Institutions of Developing Countries: Case Study of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

The paper adopted a case study approach to identify and compare the accessibility provisions to learning infrastructures and facilities of public higher-institutions for people (living) with disabilities (PWD) in developing countries, using Nigeria and Malaysia as case studies. One university from each country, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in Nigeria and University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia were selected. The objectives include identification of relevant buildings and accessibility provisions in them, using Audit checklist, comparison between the adequacies or otherwise of the facilities against the National policy provisions using content analysis. The study finds that UM have better provision of accessibility infrastructure but needs improvement. The expectation of the target audience is inclusive and Universal Design (UD) bottom-up approach and adherence to policy implementation. The study recommends adherence to the building regulations and standard requirement as informed by the respective national policy provisions to reduce accessibility restrictions in the two campuses.

Physical accessibility in Malaysian higher educational institutions: Voices of students with disabilities

“…Hence, advocating a functional and competent task force for students with disabilities in every HEI is good practice (Yusof et al, 2020). Social workers, alongside other professionals, can advocate for an inclusive environment at the micro- and macro-levels of practice, as the ‘top-down’ approach no longer works (Ahmed et al, 2014).…”

“…Hence, advocating a functional and competent task force for students with disabilities in every HEI is good practice (Yusof et al, 2020). Social workers, alongside other professionals, can advocate for an inclusive environment at the microand macro-levels of practice, as the 'top-down' approach no longer works (Ahmed et al, 2014). Beaulaurier and Taylor (2001) suggested a social work practice framework for people with disabilities by focusing on maximising participation, preparing for self-determination and empowering for betterment.…”

Characteristics of A Conducive Residential College Needed for Students with Disabilities in Public University: A Case Study at The University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

“…This is because the university should focus on the facilities that need to be provided to the SWDs. Abu Bakar Ahmed et al (2014) explained that the facilities required by the SWDs are different for nondisabled students. The provision of people with disabilitie (PWD) friendly facilities is a preparation needed by disabilities students to live a more comfortable life.…”