Inclusiveness assessment tool for disabled persons in higher education facilities

Abstract

Purpose Globally, there is a growing proportion of disabled people as a result of different circumstances. This growth generates attention and leads to ways to integrate the affected population into society. Addressing such disability and integration is particularly important at buildings level, enabling and expanding the scope of activities for people with disabilities (PWDs). The rising number of PWDs and the need to integrate them into society create a need for action to improve their living condition and integration into society. This study aims to examine the issue of accessibility for PWDs in higher education facilities in Qatar. Design/methodology/approach Addressing accessibility at buildings level is particularly important in higher education because it enables inclusion in training and education and increases the potential for productive engagement in society. The study aims to develop an objective tool to assess and measure accessibility in educational institutions. Five selected buildings were examined and evaluated at Qatar University based on proximity, multi-use, vertical and horizontal circulation availability. The survey respondents were randomly selected. An existing assessment method was used in surveying respondents, including those with and without disabilities. Findings A comparative study was conducted to explore the discrepancy between facility users with and without disability, indicating the gap in existing tools. Originality/value The developed tool generates the same outcome when conducted by different assessors, indicating the level of compliance and percentage met as a benefit, not a focus. It allows professionals and non-professionals with minimal experience to conduct the assessment.

Criteria and Challenges of Inclusive Design In The Built Environment

“…Table 3 presents the physical challenges mentioned earlier, criteria and phases thematically. Also, according to Ahmad et al (2022), the criteria can be categorized as general or essential requirements. The essential requirements would define the building as entirely inadequate if it failed to comply.…”

Nature of student housing in Ghana: drivers of physical health condition effects on students living with disability (SWD) in Purpose-Built university housing

“…All-inclusiveness can be described as physically accessible and physical health condition support systems in buildings (Attakora-Amaniampong et al, 2022). Studies on physical accessibility and satisfaction in tertiary student accommodation among SWD have been limited across the global divide (Ahmad et al, 2022(Ahmad et al, , 2022Mubiru, 2022). The physical health condition systems that support the quality of life and learning among SWD in university student housing form a huge gap in research.…”