MMSU SAPASAP Framework: Priority Actions for Disability-Inclusive Development in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Aim: To influence the growth of higher education institutions (HEIs) towards disability inclusion (DI) through a disability-inclusive framework to influence policymaking and the inclusion, rights advancement, and protection of PWDs. Methods: Following a non-experimental developmental research design, the study was conducted in Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and included MMSU non-disabled and disabled learners and employees and MMSU administrative council (AdCo) members as participants selected through double stratum stratified sampling and purposive sampling, respectively. Data were gathered through an online survey for non-disabled participants, focus group discussion for learners with a disability, and key informant interviews for select AdCo members and employees with disability. Data were statistically analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematically analyzed following the Braun and Clarke thematic analysis process. Results: MMSU is seen as a place where PWDs could thrive. In terms of attitude, environment, policies, and positive perception of DI, Enablers to DI were present. This sets the foundation for disability-inclusive development; however, negative responses towards disability and DI were still present, emphasizing the need for improvement. Conclusion and Implications: The MMSU SAPASAP framework, from the Ilokano term “sapasap," meaning having no one left behind, was developed with the idea of fostering MMSU towards disability-inclusive development. It identified priority actions for MMSU in achieving DI and lays out the process for continual improvement towards being an example towards true disability inclusion for HEIs.