Leveraging empowerment for those students with disabilities: Towards creating an inclusive university education framework

Globally, people with disabilities are estimated to amount to more than one billion persons, accounting for about 15 per cent of the world population. Nevertheless, though they encompass a substantial assemblage with a potential to contribute to development and society, they have most often been excluded from the development agenda as well as empowerment through university education. This is made visible by the prevalence of existing barriers. Using a human rights-based approach, this study was aimed at advocating for inclusive education using universities as a tool for leveraging empowerment for those living with disabilities. Data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews based on the qualitative approach. A relevant sample of sixteen respondents from 2 universities was selected through criteria purposive sampling while analysis of data was premised on thematic analysis. Study findings indicated that barriers underlying university education frameworks and the general socio-economic environment have continued to negatively impact on those living with disabilities. In the end, the study recommended that inclusive education and development frameworks should be adopted to create opportunities, share the benefits of development and participate in decision-making. To realise inclusive university education, diversity should be noted as an essential facet of social, economic and human development.