A study to determine the extent and nature of disability inclusion within the curriculum of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town

This study explored disability inclusion in the curriculum of the Faculty of Humanities, in the University of Cape Town. There is a need for Universities to actively engage in issues of diversity like disability, as reflected in the University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor Strategic Goals. This engagement should not only encourage participation of disabled students, but it should also promote the integration of disability issues into the curriculum to help alleviate barriers to participation, attitudinal barriers especially. While many studies speak to the accommodation of disabled students in higher institutions, this study rather speaks to disability inclusion within the curriculum. This study looked at the extent and nature of the integration of disability in the curriculum of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town. It is relevant because there are very few studies done on disability inclusion within the curriculum. The study will assist in creating awareness to mainstream disability issues across disciplines. Disability inclusion across disciplines will aid in reduction of stigmatization of disabled people as the barriers to participation experienced by disabled people are erected by a non-disabled majority .This can further inform policy making. The Faculty of Humanities in UCT was of particular interest to me because it is the largest Faculty at UCT with extensive student turnover, houses the School of Education which I believe is key to disability inclusion. This case for me, relates disability marginalization in the curriculum to how disability is also marginalized in the wider society and how disability can be easily perceived to be a medical issue rather than a socio-political issue.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Ohanunwa, Chioma

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Mckenzie, Judith
• Lorenza, Theresa

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11289

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11289