Perceived challenges of serving students with disabilities in a historically disadvantaged tertiary institution, South Africa.

Abstract

For students with disabilities in tertiary educational institutions, lack of necessary support services can render them socially and academically excluded and overly dependent. The study explored and described the perceived challenges of the staff of the Disability Unit at the University of Venda. A quantitative approach using semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from two participants who served in the unit. The work and physical environment were assessed. Though all the participants had disability related training coupled with 5-27 years’ working experience in a disability environment, they indicated that they were overwhelmed with work pressure. In addition, the participants reported the institution being grossly understaffed. Disability prevalence in the study setting was 2% of the total student population. Most of the disability categories served included 34% (physically disabled) and 22% (partially sighted). Some of the challenges expressed by the participants included appalling sanitation conditions, poor and un-adapted facilities, and harsh physical environment. These results indicate that staffs at the Disability Unit at the University of Venda are overworked as a result of inadequate resources, shortage of staff and poor support systems. There is an urgent need for increased staff complement and support services.