Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the accessibility of the educational and physical
environments to the students with disabilities at Bule Hora University. A mixed-method
approach, with concurrent design (QUAN + QUAL), was employed. The study was
carried out in Bule Hora University at the three colleges including the College of Social
Sciences and Humanities, Law, and College of Education and Behavioral Science that
students with disabilities join. Six departments were selected through the purposive
sampling technique. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from students with
disabilities (n-24), students without disabilities (n-111), Gender, HIV/AIDS and
Disabilities directorate (n-1), the Academic Directorate (n-1), the Students’ Service
Directorate (n-1), and the SNIE department head (n-1) using questionnaire and
interview. Students with disabilities and other experts were selected using purposive
sampling techniques. Students without disabilities were selected through simple random
sampling. The qualitative data obtained through interviews and observation was analyzed
using narration. The quantitative data obtained through questionnaires were analyzed by
using descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that roads, ramps in each
building, classrooms and other office doors, learning resources, and support provided for
the students with disabilities are inaccessible. The SWDs were less involved in the
physical and instructional activities. Thus, it is recommended that higher education
institutions should formulate policies and create an accessible learning, social, and
physical environment. The university should modify the physical environment of the
campus; provide learning resources and other required supports for the students with
disabilities.
