Studying at the University of Gdańsk from the perspective of students with disabilities – creating an inclusive culture in the academic community

Abstract

The number of people with disabilities, undertaking studies in Poland, is constantly growing. Implementing a mission of social responsibility for the education of disabled students, which reflects critical thinking about the current situation and promotes the development of inclusive academic communities based on a culture of inclusion, has become one of the goals of contemporary higher education. This education highly values equality, diversity and inclusiveness. This article is based on data collected in a pilot qualitative study at the University of Gdańsk, which aimed to give a voice to disabled students and reveal the meanings they attribute to their study experiences. Situated at the intersection of special education and critical disability studies, the research gave a voice to disabled students who, in line with the slogan Nothing about us without us, became experts, co-creators and auditors of accessibility and inclusiveness. The results enabled us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the education provided and experienced, and revealed problem areas that need to be addressed, primarily concerning student–lecturer relations. Building an inclusive academic community is an ongoing process. Despite visible commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment, it should be recognised that students with disabilities may still face greater challenges than their able-bodied peers.