Disability issues arc often absent and not adequately addressed within the education system.
I.earners with disabilities have not been actively involved in sporting, cultural and
recreational activities Consequently persons with disabilities hardly benefit from the
solidarity and team building benefits derived from sports, culture and recreational activities
(MDSCSS. 2006)
An inclusive system and supportive environment at the University is important for the
participation and development of students and staff with disabilities it will also create an
enabling academic environment that promotes recognition of the skills, merits, abilities and
contributions of persons with disabilities and allows them live independently and participate
hilly in various university activities.
11ns was an exploratory study which adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches to
collect data. Data collection metlu*ds used included administering questionnaires, key
informants interviews, case studies, direct observations and review of secondary data. ITic
Study used snowballing sampling techniques as there was no formal system to identify
persons with disabilities in the university. The sample of the study consisted of forty students
and employees with disabilities and ten key informants who were university administration
and other service providers in the university.
This study yielded interesting results regarding environmental inaccessibility,
communication barrier, negative attitude and lock of learning facilities which limit the
participation und potentials of students and stall with disabilities. However, the university
has made some attempts to accommodate students and staff with disabilities although they
are inadequate m terms of addressing various disability needs due to minimal
implementation.
* he university administration should implement the disability policy, provisions in the
students' handbook and adopt full action plan on programs to improve all services and
facilities to suit the needs of persons with disabilities.