Higher Education for Students with Disabilities in India: Insights from a Focus Group Study

Higher education plays a vital role in the employability of people with disability. It promises an independent existence for the person in the society. Understanding this, stakeholders are moving towards an inclusive environment in educational institutions. But the reality is quite alarming in that only a very small number of people with disabilities have access to higher education in developing countries like India. This study conducted through focus group discussions systematically explores the challenges, existing facilities and needed accommodations in a higher education set-up for the benefit of students with disability (SwD). The qualitative study was conducted in six major metropolitan cities across India among adults with disability who had higher education opportunities. Themes such as accessibility, functions in the classroom, accommodations for examinations, communication, social attitude and employment challenges were highlighted as major aspects that needed attention. The results reflect on poor planning, implementation of disability policies, lack of disability sensitization in the society and inadequate availability of resources in a developing country. Reports of support networks provided by friends in colleges, underscored the strength of humanity in the midst of inadequate disability accommodation facilities. Voices of people with disabilities resonates over the lack of available policies and services in a developing country like India.