It is time for self-examination. What are the barriers students encounter related to the understanding of disabilities? How accessible are our campuses?
One can hear testimonies from students about invigilators disrupting exams in designated quiet rooms, challenges in communicating invisible disabilities, encountering temporary physical barriers like chairs in halls, and the need to carry a disability card for recognition.
What's more, we can see that these problems are emerging in various European countries. The data below was collected during a SEA-EU joint event “Open Student Discussion on Campus Accessibility” organised by the University of Malta and the University of Kiel (Germany) as part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
There is a necessity to advocate for awareness and education to address misconceptions surrounding disabilities by giving a voice to students with disabilities.
Below are several key strategies to improve accessibility and inclusion on campus:
- Universal Design Enforcement
Advocate for universal design principles throughout campuses and ensure strict enforcement to guarantee adherence.
- Regular Audits and Assessments
Conduct frequent audits and assessments of lecture rooms and outdoor spaces to evaluate general physical accessibility, sensory considerations, and regularly check in with lecturers regarding the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Training for Lecturers and Staff
Provide training for lecturers and staff to avoid gatekeeping accessibility and accommodations. Emphasise the importance of complying with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which prohibits the denial of reasonable accommodations as a form of discrimination.
- Construction Monitoring
Monitor construction and ongoing projects to eliminate physical barriers and ensure overall safety and accessibility.
- Improved Communication
Enhance mutual understanding by fostering open communication about needs and expectations, facilitating a more inclusive environment.
- Training and Discussions
Conduct more training sessions and discussions involving both university lecturers and self-advocates with disabilities. Focus on topics related to disability awareness and universal design to promote a more inclusive educational experience.
