Assessment of Accessibility of Disabled Students in the Public University Infrastructure in Albania

Abstract

This study was carried in the academic year 2018-2019, aiming at assessing the situation of infrastructure and social care for disabled students in public universities in Albania. The goal of this survey was to contribute toward providing effective academic services and upgrading the infrastructure access for disabled students, to help them to get access and mobility in university settings. Twelve public universities were surveyed for the accommodation and the nature of specialized services to pursue successfully a higher education program for disabled students. Specialized teaching, supportive offices regarding academic accommodation, transportation, and social care, and other educational equipment are missing in most public universities. This survey revealed special needs and possible access to university settings. Achieving equitable inclusion and the implementation of higher education actions within HES in Albania remains a permanent challenge to create adequate learning and teaching spaces for special needs for disabled students.
 
 Received: 2 March 2021 / Accepted: 15 April 2021 / Published: 10 May 2021

Disable access compliance to university infrastructure: built environment students’ perceptions

“…This is evident in buildings that only utilise stairs and have no lifts, no provision for ramps, small pathways, lack of signage, etc. (Sulaj et al ., 2021). The lack of knowledge is also indicated to cause non-compliance within the university facilities.…”

“…Sulaj et al . (2021) explained that university education aims to enhance and develop intellectual and scientific capabilities while meeting all students’ social requirements.…”

“…The authors further state that students with special needs face extra hurdles, which include inadequate university infrastructure, economic and social issues, the requirement for transportation and housing, as well as a limitation of recreational activities, job placement and career chances, among others. Prominent hurdles for students with disabilities include unsuitable auditoriums, staircases and lecture rooms, heavy doors, small pathways, elevator doors without a delay function, the lack of ramps and signage, and inefficient laws (Sulaj et al ., 2021).…”

“…The authors further stated that the architectural surroundings on campuses were not designed for disabled individuals or adapted to accommodate these marginalised persons in society (Ahmed et al, 2014). Sulaj et al (2021) explained that university education aims to enhance and develop intellectual and scientific capabilities while meeting all students' social requirements. Students with disabilities, as well as general student communities, face several unresolved challenges and requirements.…”

Yaya bölgeleri erişebilirliğinin kullanıcı ve peyzaj karakteri açısından irdelenmesi

“…Erişilebilirliği etkileyen faktörlerin anlaşılması durumunda ulaşım planlamasına yönelik ölçütlerin tanımlanması da gerekmektedir. Yapılı çevre için birincil koşul olan ulaşılabilirlik, temel bir insan hakkı olmakla birlikte bireylerin sosyal, kültürel, sportif ve ekonomik faaliyetlere katılımlarını da desteklemektedir [28,7,29 Günümüzde pek çok kentsel mekân içerisinde yer alan yaya bölgesi erişilebilirliğinin çok yönlü düşünülmemesinden dolayı kullanıcıların beklentilerine cevap veremediği görülmüştür. Özellikle çalışma alanı olarak seçilen Rize kentinde yapılan peyzaj tasarım uygulamalarının günlük çözümlerle geçiştirilmeye çalışılması peyzaj planlamada bütüncül bir değerlendirmenin ortaya koyulmadığını göstermektedir.…”