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Being a first-year student living with disability can be challenging. However, many of these challenges hold potential towards growth and wellbeing. This study explored and described the challengerelated growth experiences of first-year students living with a disability at a higher education institution in South Africa. Individual interviews and reflective writing exercises were conducted with 20 students living with a variety of disabilities. Data gathered were thematically analysed through an intentional process of data reduction. Prominent spheres of challenge included (a) the higher education environment, (2) social integration and inclusion and (3) academics; with unique challenges related to specific disabilities. An important theme that emerged, is the participants' positive use of these challenges as growth opportunities. The findings allude to the pathways to growth associated with the difficulties of being a first-year student living with a disability, namely greater self-acceptance, more purposeful action, and existential meaning. These findings have value as university stakeholders aim towards greater student wellbeing and inclusion, especially for students living with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a study conducted to explore the barriers towards accessible quality higher education for students with disabilities (SwDs) in a South African Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) institution. The ultimate purpose of this study is to understand and shed light on the challenges that need to be addressed to improve the Unisa practices in a manner that would ensure accessible quality higher education for SwDs. As such, this study which is of a qualitative nature employed a single case study research design wherein nine interviews with lecturers from seven teaching colleges at Unisa are conducted. The findings reveal that, based on the perceptions of lecturers, quality higher education for SwDs at Unisa is hampered by lack of awareness and clear procedures to identify SwDs, inaccessible learning material for SwDs and lack of capacity by lecturers to support SwDs. While it is expected that this study may not culminate in recommendations for practice as a result of limitations posed by its design, it is anticipated that its logical ending points will serve to influence future practice. Nevertheless, it is recommended for future research in South African ODeL to focus on identifying best practices that can be adapted to enhance quality higher education for SwDs in relation to the above-mentioned challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the last two decades, the South African government drafted impressive policies to fully include and accommodate students with visual impairments within higher education. However, in interviews with 23 students with visual impairments at two South African universities, we found that legislation has yet to fully permeate the embodied experiences of these students. Despite stringent policies, lecturers still have the power to decide whether they want to accommodate students with reasonable requests. Second, students carry a tremendous amount of responsibility in procuring reasonable accommodations. Third, the Apartheid regime that left many marginalised groups impoverished still disadvantages some Black students with visual impairments. We suggest that students and lecturers might benefit from clear guidelines regarding their roles and responsibilities. Students should also receive information regarding their legal rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, few students with disabilities progress to higher education. This is mostly due to avoidable barriers they face as they navigate different educational structures from lower levels. Even for those few students who make it to higher education, they continue to face challenges. A qualitative study was carried out at the University of the Free State and the University of Venda. Fourteen students with disabilities took part in this research that was aimed at exploring their academic and life experiences. This article interrogates the inclusion of students with disabilities at two South African universities. This article is timely as South Africa has initiated the development of a national policy framework on disability in the post-school education and training systems. It highlights some of the areas where inclusive policies should pay attention in an effort to fully cater for the needs of students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with severe to profound intellectual disability have been excluded from education on the basis that their impairment makes them ‘ineducable’. The Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability challenged this notion through litigation against the South African Government. The ensuing judgement asserts the right to education of these children and outlines action steps for government to this end. We describe the actions taken by the Western Cape Education Department in responding to the requirements of the court by means of a document review. We then reflect on the implementation process, highlighting key learning points of relevance for others engaged in implementation. We note critical factors to be considered for the child, their families, special care centres, and the broader educational and legal systems. We conclude by outlining important considerations for the inclusion of these children within the education system in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]