Disabled students in higher education perspectives on widening access and changing policy

Abstract

As the widening of access to higher education is becoming a top priority for governments in the UK and around the world, this ground-breaking piece of work raises questions that policy-makers, vice-chancellors and government officials are reluctant to ask. Unlike previous publications, this highly qualified team of authors have closely analyzed rates of participation by, and the experiences of, disabled students in higher education over a two year period. They compare the responses of eight different universities to the new anti-discriminatory practice, contrasting their social profiles, academic missions, support for disabled students and approaches for the implementation of change. It is this approach to making changes that comes under particular scrutiny, with a close examination of the university's interpretation of 'reasonable adjustments', and the extent to which they have modified their campus and teaching accordingly. Student case studies are used throughout to illustrate the real impact of institutional responses to the legislation. 'Disabled Students in Higher Education' will make fascinating reading for students of education, social policy, politics, and disability studies, and for those working towards accredited university teacher status.

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