NAVIGATING UNIVERSITY DIFFERENTLY ABLED: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE PERSPECTIVES OF UNDERGRADUATES WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES ON ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES AND FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

Abstract

This exploratory study aims to gain insight into the lives of undergraduates with physical disabilities. The study examined three aspects – academic support, academic barriers, and future aspirations. Firstly, it investigated the physical, social, and emotional support that were crucial in the academic journey of respondents. Secondly, it explored the predominant barriers in affecting respondents’ academic experiences. Finally, as respondents transition into working life post-graduation, topics such as their perception towards anticipated opportunities and challenges in workplaces were discussed. Three groups of participants were engaged. Six undergraduates with physical disabilities were engaged through individual interviews, while two staff from Student Accessibility Unit (SAU), and four student volunteers from National University of Singapore (NUS) Enablers were engaged through respective focus group discussions. Based on the findings, respondents encountered many challenges during their university journeys. These experiences were influenced by factors such as the accessibility of the physical environment, the responses from members of the university (i.e. students, teachers, and administrative staff), and the systemic organisations of the university. However, there were also many coping factors. Various concerns regarding future employment were raised, with the majority stemming from poor acceptance of persons with disabilities (PWD). This thesis’ findings may have meaningful implications to the social work practice, as understanding towards PWDs could be strengthened. With that, stigmatisation could be reduced to increase opportunities for PWDs in society.