Visible Disabilities and Students in Higher Education: Equality and Fairness and the Reality of Inclusion

This study consists of a literature review concerning the experiences of visibly disabled students in higher education in the UK and to what extent universities are meeting their equality duties to provide an equal and inclusive student experience. Research concerning the experiences of visibly disabled students in Britain proved very scarce and as a result the dissertation needed to draw on studies internationally. Whilst reducing any potential barriers faced by disabled students and making appropriate reasonable adjustments is a key priority for the sector, the findings reveal that very little is known by HEIs about visible disability or how students’ lives might be impacted in the UK. Nor can it be assessed whether universities are providing adequate resources and interventions to ensure students with visible disabled students are able to fulfil their aspiration and benefit from a fair and inclusive experience. Building on the international evidence concerning visible disability and how students are impacted, more research needs to be conducted into what extent their higher education is affected in terms of equality and inclusion and what interventions would be effective to address their needs. The dissertation recommends the development of a systematic approach to ensure by HEIs to create an inclusive environment ensure students with visible disabilities are treated fairly and equally and that the sector regulator and leaders recognise that visible disability as a key priority for future policy and practice.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Spalding, Henrietta

• HM Cymdeithaseg
• LB2300 Addysg Uwch

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:2855