Provision of Students with Disabilities Facility at Public Universities: A Case Study

Abstract

In line with a developing and developed nation, Malaysia offers educational opportunities to all walks of life regardless of age, status, and gender. In this regard, people with disabilities are not marginalized for higher education. Opportunities for the disabled to pursue higher education can be achieved with the same rights as other normal students. As such, the provision of disabilityfriendly accessibility is an essential element of a public university for the convenience of students with disabilities to university life. Emphasis on the provision of disabled-friendly facilities is important as this facility is the right they should have. In addition, the government also provides for the disabled to further their education at public and private higher education. Therefore, the provision of facilities at the institute level should not be an issue that prevents the disabled from gaining an education. The objective of this study was to study the barriers to facilities faced by disabled students in public universities. This study was conducted at a public university located in the state of Selangor. The method used was qualitative and in-depth interviews were conducted with selected informants. The findings of this study indicate that there is a need for improvements to facilities at public universities for the use of students with disabilities.

Key Accessibilities Issues (KAIs) for People with Disabilities (PwDs) at Electric Train Service (ETS) Station

“…Furthermore, since it overlooks the drain, the built-in ramps are incompatible and would danger the PwDs. Ismail et al (2021) mentioned that students with physical and sensory impairments face great challenges and obstacles in higher education, which have impaired their capacity to study. Zahari et al (2020) also argued that the current conservation guidelines and requirements are not comprehensive enough to address the disabled facilities and accessibility aspects.…”

Policy and Services for Students With Disabilities

“…Yusof et al (2020) indicate that universities need to play active roles to eliminate barriers to PWD, in particular by providing services, access, organising logistics, creating awareness, ensuring disabled-friendly facilities and developing specific policies to address issues concerning disabilities. The findings of a study by Ismail et al (2021) also indicate a need for improvements to facilities at public universities. Chin (2020) further sees the introduction of Malaysia's Zero Reject policy as a shift towards a wider inclusive educational environment, a departure from a mere inclusive education policy.…”