SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES

Abstract

SWD are often part of the minority in public society and their special needs are often not heard, as well as in the field of education. This study aims to learn more about the SWD’s social surroundings, mental state, and support network from their own perspective based on their experience in a Malaysian public university. This study is a qualitative research and researchers performed focused in-depth interviews with 10 SWD that are registered with UPO for data collection. The results demonstrate that the issue of support systems is dynamic, and SWD must be ready for any future developments. The majority of the support required is related to the special equipment, facilities, and infrastructure in order to ease their mobility. In order to develop assertiveness and the capacity to assimilate into society, SWD also needs to be subjected to training or courses that can improve mental resilience, emotional control, and social skills. To meet the SWD’s increased expectations, present systems need to be improved in accordance to the effectiveness of technology and changes in the demographics of the SWD nowadays. It is recommended that a similar study be carried out in all IPTAs and also private IPTs involving all SWD of various categories. This is to ensure that the rights and needs of all SWD can be implemented. The results of this study are expected to channel information about the support received by SWD at UiTM to be an example to other IPTAs in addition to identifying the challenges faced so that efforts towards solving the problem can be implemented immediately.