Creating inclusive campuses: Exploring the challenges of higher education students with disabilities in Malaysia

Authors

  • Aina Razlin Mohammad Roose Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
  • Egang anak Tungku Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
  • Nur Hanis Farhana Abdul Rahman Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
  • Nor Mazlina Ghazali Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33736/jcshd.9540.2025

Keywords:

student with disabilities, inclusivity, disability challenges, higher education, thematic analysis

Abstract

Creating inclusive campuses is essential for ensuring that Students with Disabilities (SWD) can fully participate in higher education. While previous research has focused on well-established Malaysian universities, there is a critical gap in understanding the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities in newer institutions with limited resources and a developing support system. This study explores the challenges SWD encounter in achieving both academic success and social integration. Twelve university students with various disabilities, recruited from three Malaysian public universities established less than 50 years ago, participated in semi-structured interviews, highlighting areas needing urgent improvement. Using thematic analysis, four primary themes were identified: (1) academic challenges, (2) inadequate services and facilities, (3) mobility difficulties, and (4) social relationship problems. SWD struggle with the pace of instruction, managing their time, and accessing learning materials; experience challenges worsened by inadequate facilities, face reduced independence and participation due to mobility barriers; and experience social exclusion and stigma. These findings emphasise the systemic barriers that continue to hinder inclusivity and underscore the critical need for universities to adopt comprehensive strategies that provide SWD with effective support for academic achievement, well-being, and meaningful participation in campus life.

References

Ahmad, M. N., Rosli, H. F., Takril, N. F., & Sabri, S. A. (2017). Penyediaan fasiliti orang kurang upaya (OKU) di institusi pengajian tinggi di Lembah Klang: Satu kajian kes. Proceedings of the 2nd Putrajaya International Conference on Children, Women, Elderly and Disabled People (PICCWED2), Malaysia.

Badri, R. N. F. R. Z., & Amin, A. S. (2018). Isu dan cabaran pelajar kurang upaya penglihatan di institusi pengajian tinggi (Issues and challenges of students with visual impairment at higher learning institution). Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 32(3), 131–146.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Chan, C. C., Yusof, Y., Ahmad Ramli, F. Z., Hillaluddin, A., & Mat Saad, Z. (2023). Physical accessibility in Malaysian higher educational institutions: Voices of students with disabilities. International Social Work, 66(6), 1669–1685. https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728221094417

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). Sage publications.

Fernández-Batanero, J. M., Montenegro-Rueda, M., & Fernández-Cerero, J. (2022). Access and participation of students with disabilities: The challenge for higher education. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 11918. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911918

Khairuddin, K. F., Salleh, S. D., & Amin, A. S. (2020). Supporting students with autism in tertiary education: Malaysian lecturers’ views and experiences. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11A), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.082101

Khir, N. I. M., & Zakaria, S. M. (2023). "Bantulah kami untuk rasa selamat": Cabaran mahasiswa OKU di universiti awam. e-BANGI Journal, 20(1), 287–296. https://doi.org/10.17576/ebangi.2023.2001.24

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2019). Dasar inklusif orang kurang upaya di institusi pendidikan tinggi. https://jpt.mohe.gov.my/portal/index.php/ms/penerbitan/75-garis-panduan-pelaksanaan-dasar-inklusif-orang-kurang-upaya-di-ipt

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2023). Bilangan enrolmen pelajar Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) mengikut jenis kecacatan berdasarkan universiti awam. https://www.mohe.gov.my/muat-turun/statistik/2023-3

Mohd Zin, M. Z., Abdullah, M. H. T., Zabidi, M. M., & Othman, R. D. (2023). Supporting students with disabilities in higher education: Views and experiences. International Journal of Modern Education, 5(18), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.35631/IJMOE.518008

Nasir, M. N. A., & Efendi, A. N. A. E. (2020). "If you don't fall into a drain, you can't graduate!": Disabled Malaysians in higher education sector. International Journal for Studies on Children, Women, Elderly and Disabled, 10, 44–53.

Yusof, Y., Chan, C. C., Hillaluddin, A. H., Ahmad Ramli, F. Z., & Mat Saad, Z. (2019). Improving inclusion of students with disabilities in Malaysian higher education. Disability & Society, 35(7), 1145–1170. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2019.1667304

Zainal, M. S., & Min, L. H. (2021). The presence of students with disabilities in higher education: Exploring the direction of Malaysian local public universities. Jurnal Pendidikan Bitara UPSI, 14(2), 70–76. https://doi.org/10.37134/bitara.vol14.sp2.8.2021

Zaki, N. H. M., & Ismail, Z. (2021). Towards inclusive education for special needs students in higher education from the perspective of faculty members: A systematic literature review. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(4), 201–211. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v17i4.16189

Downloads

Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Mohammad Roose, A. R., anak Tungku, E., Abdul Rahman, N. H. F., & Ghazali , N. M. (2025). Creating inclusive campuses: Exploring the challenges of higher education students with disabilities in Malaysia. Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, 11(2), 39–52. https://doi.org/10.33736/jcshd.9540.2025