Getting round obstacles: Disabled students' experiences in higher education in Scotland

ABSTRACT

The findings of a study of the experiences of disabled students in higher education in Scotland are reported. Detailed information about policy and provision for disabled students was sought from all higher education institutions and 12 in-depth case studies of students were carried out. It is argued that disabled students face obstacles to their participation in five areas: the physical environment, access to information, entrance to higher education, assumptions of ‘normality˚s and levels of awareness. While support is available, in some cases students are being provided with assistance to get round obstacles that ideally should be removed. Acknowledgement is made of the positive steps that have been taken recently to improve access for disabled students, and the limitations of the current model of provision are discussed.