Inclusive education at Universitas Negeri Surabaya: Perceptions and realities of students with disabilities

Promoting inclusive higher education in Indonesia continues to face significant challenges for students with special needs related to physical accessibility, socio-cultural barriers and stigmatisation. Employing a qualitative case study approach, we delve into the perspectives and real-life experiences of students with special needs at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). Leveraging Zoom, we conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen students struggling with deafness, blindness, physical disabilities, autism, quadriplegia and cerebral palsy. Three primary themes emerged: the need for suitable accommodations, opportunities for social integration, and the availability of university resources. We conclude that despite some improvements, students with special needs at UNESA continue to encounter impediments in pursuing higher education. Our findings underline the necessity for further policy development and enhanced backing from the academic community to foster inclusive education at UNESA, thereby catering to the academic aspirations of students with special needs.