Policy and provision for students with disabilities in higher education : the Ethiopian case

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of policy and provision for students with disabilities in higher education in Ethiopia. It further aims at exploring the prevalence of students with disabilities in the Ethiopian higher education institutions. A mixed-method design was used and it comprised of two sub-studies. These are a survey conducted in private and public higher education institutions in Ethiopia and an interview study in two purposefully selected universities. A questionnaire was developed as data collection instrument in the survey. The Survey was further elaborated by the interview study. Criterion sampling and stratified random sampling were used to select fifty institutions out of hundred thirty three as sample group of the survey study. On the other hand, Addis Ababa University and Bahirdar University were selected to be subjects of the interview study by using purposeful sampling. The data obtained by questionnaire was presented and analyzed quantitatively by using descriptive statistics. On the other hand, the data obtained by interview was presented and analyzed qualitatively interims of categories and sub-categories by using Constant Comparative Analysis. Findings of the study showed that Ethiopian institutions do not have any explicit policy for students with disabilities. Similarly, the available provision for students with disabilities, if any, is negligible. The prevalence of students with disabilities also remains extremely low in public institutions and almost non-existent in private institutions. Based on the findings, recommendations were made for improving the situation of students with disabilities in the Ethiopian institutions. The recommendations are directed to policy makers, higher education institutions, educationalists and future researchers.