The Provision of Support Services for Students with Disabilities in the Selected Higher Education Institutions of Amhara Regional State-Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in universities found in Amhara regional state. There are 7 public universities in the region. The study focused on all students with sensory (visual & hearing) and physical disability who were attending their education in the selected universities.  One university was selected from each generation. The participants of this study were students with disabilities, teachers and students without disabilities, special needs directorates, library and students service coordinators (dormitory and cafeteria). Four methods of data collection instruments were used to obtain rich information and for the purpose of triangulation. The result showed that most students with disabilities did not obtain disability specific academic supports services from teachers. In addition, most students with disabilities obtained different support services from students without disabilities and administrators. The physical environment including the roads, campus and buildings are inaccessible for students with disabilities. It is recommended that universities should employee special needs education professionals in order to decide the students’ eligibility and provide different support services for students with severe disabilities.

Keywords: Support services, Students with disabilities, Higher education institution