ACCESSIBILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY ON QATAR’S UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This research examines the accessibility and inclusivity of Qatar Foundation (QF) multiversity through qualitative analysis to assess if the accommodations provided meet the students' expectations and needs. The research explores the support available for students with disabilities at QF and its effectiveness in meeting their needs and expectations. It examines the experiences of student users of access services, accessibility services, and the support available at QF universities. Additionally, it analyzes data on the number of students with disabilities in QF universities and the types of disabilities they have. The study also investigates the factors that influence students with invisible disabilities in disclosing their disability and identifies improvements needed to make QF Multiversity more inclusive. To answer these questions, current students with disabilities and alumni were interviewed. Through their experiences, it is clear that support was given to students with disability. However, these accommodations met the minimal level of expectations. The students still face challenges and barriers, such as physical and digital infrastructure, assistive technology, and the need for a disability office. Data regarding the number of students with disabilities or their conditions was unavailable, and challenges were faced when recruiting participants through institutions. This study demonstrates that to fill the gap in accessibility in higher education, improvements ought to be made according to the students’ needs. Keywords: Disability, Accessibility, Inclusivity, Infrastructure, Assistive Technology, Accommodation, Higher Education.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science