Provision of inclusive university education to students with disabilities, a case of Makerere University

Abstract

This research study focused on the provision of inclusive university education to students with disabilities in Makerere University. The main objectives of the study were to assess the extent or degree of the disability inclusiveness of the physical infrastructure at Makerere University, to examine the disability inclusiveness of the e-learning systems at Makerere University, and to establish the disability inclusiveness of the teaching pedagogies used at Makerere University. Makerere University was chosen as the case study for this research because it is the largest institution of higher learning in Uganda and understanding the inclusivity of education at this institution would further inform inclusivity in other areas as well. This was a cross sectional study that employed a mixed methods approach, that is, both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data for the quantitative component of the study was collected from students with disabilities in Makerere University from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External studies, College of Business and Management Sciences, and the School of Law. Qualitative data was collected from Leaders of Students with disabilities at Makerere University. The findings from the study revealed that the physical infrastructure at Makerere University, as well as the teaching pedagogies like facilitation, group discussions, and group work. On the other hand, the findings revealed that virtual methods like the Makerere University e-learning environment, zoom, and internet search engines are not inclusive of students with disabilities. This therefore means that Makerere University is providing inclusive University education to students with disabilities, to a greater extent. The recommendations herein state that university administrators and policy makers need to improve the virtual methods of learning in order to include and favor students with disabilities. Old buildings with lecture theatres also need to be renovated and updated to include ramps, which will make them further inclusive of the learning needs of students with disabilities. These will go a long way in creating a more inclusive learning environment