SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT UNIVERSITIES: DIFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES

Students with disabilities may confront numerous obstacles and challenges when accessing Higher Education (HE) and attempting to be successful in it. Disability Services Offices at universities play an important role in providing direct and indirect support for these students. This paper presents th...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Martins, Maria Helena Venâncio, Martins, Cátia Sofia, Melo, Francisco Ricardo Lins Vieira de
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Repositorio:Educação em Revista
Idioma:portugués
OAI Identifier:oai:periodicos.ufmg.br:article/27022
Acceso en línea:https://periodicos.ufmg.br/index.php/edrevista/article/view/27022
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:estudantes com deficiência
educação inclusiva
; serviços para estudantes com deficiência
ensino superior
students with disabilities
inclusive education
disability services offices
higher education
estudiantes con discapacidad
educación inclusiva
oficinas de servicios para discapacitados
educación superior
Descripción
Sumario:Students with disabilities may confront numerous obstacles and challenges when accessing Higher Education (HE) and attempting to be successful in it. Disability Services Offices at universities play an important role in providing direct and indirect support for these students. This paper presents the perspectives of Disability Services Offices’ staff regarding the provision of services to students with disabilities, describing the characteristics, difficulties and challenges of these offices. Data were collected at 62 public university organizations in Brazil and Portugal using a questionnaire developed for this purpose. Despite the demands faced by the Disability Services Offices, signs of good progress in support for students with disabilities are increasing. Although the services play an important role, minimal autonomy and significant difficulties remain in several domains of management and intervention. Necessary changes and adaptations in supporting these students at universities are discussed, considering the significant consequences of integration and success for students with disabilities. Inclusive policies that are based on equity and equal opportunities and more resources are required to guarantee the rights of all students in Higher Education.