Comparative Analysis of Biopsychosocial Barriers Faced by Disabled and Non-Disabled Individuals in A University Setting: A Qualitative Study

İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç; Ceyhun Türkmen; Tuğba Arslan; Feyza Şengül; Ayşenur Karakuş; Nilay Şahan; Meltem Yazici Gülay; Özcan Özkan

Article Details

Comparative Analysis of Biopsychosocial Barriers Faced by Disabled and Non-Disabled Individuals in A University Setting: A Qualitative Study

Authors:

İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç | Ceyhun Türkmen | Tuğba Arslan | Feyza Şengül | Ayşenur Karakuş | Nilay Şahan | Meltem Yazici Gülay | Özcan Özkan

Publisher:

Hacettepe University

Main Topics:

Rehabilitasyon

Journal:

Ergoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi Vol.13 Issue 3, pp.208-219

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001357886

pISSN:

2147-8945

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Purpose: This qualitative study examines the experiences of both disabled and non-disabled individuals within a university setting, illuminating their unique challenges and underscoring the necessity for more inclusive practices. Material and method: Insights were gathered from 28 participants, including 12 diagnosed and 16 non-diagnosed individuals, during the 1st Barrier-Free Afternoon Tea Event. Semi-structured interviews were employed to reveal the shared and distinct barriers faced by both groups. Results: Individuals with disabilities primarily struggled with physical accessibility issues, while non-disabled participants expressed concerns regarding social adaptation and transportation difficulties. Notably, both groups reported communication challenges with administrative staff, albeit in different ways. Disabled individuals highlighted the need for enhanced academic services and improved campus accessibility through dedicated support units. In contrast, non-disabled participants sought broader university support and a wider range of activities. Conclusion: The study notably highlighted a shared willingness among both groups to contribute their unique talents towards fostering a more inclusive environment. This finding underscores the critical importance of comprehensive and inclusive approaches in higher education. By implementing these changes, universities can create a welcoming and equitable learning environment that embraces the diverse experiences and contributions of all community members.

 Purpose: This qualitative study examines the experiences of both disabled and non-disabled individuals within a university setting, illuminating their unique challenges and underscoring the necessity for more inclusive practices. Material and method: Insights were gathered from 28 participants, including 12 diagnosed and 16 non-diagnosed individuals, during the 1st Barrier-Free Afternoon Tea Event. Semi-structured interviews were employed to reveal the shared and distinct barriers faced by both groups. Results: Individuals with disabilities primarily struggled with physical accessibility issues, while non-disabled participants expressed concerns regarding social adaptation and transportation difficulties. Notably, both groups reported communication challenges with administrative staff, albeit in different ways. Disabled individuals highlighted the need for enhanced academic services and improved campus accessibility through dedicated support units. In contrast, non-disabled participants sought broader university support and a wider range of activities. Conclusion: The study notably highlighted a shared willingness among both groups to contribute their unique talents towards fostering a more inclusive environment. This finding underscores the critical importance of comprehensive and inclusive approaches in higher education. By implementing these changes, universities can create a welcoming and equitable learning environment that embraces the diverse experiences and contributions of all community members.

 Purpose: This qualitative study examines the experiences of both disabled and non-disabled individuals within a university setting, illuminating their unique challenges and underscoring the necessity for more inclusive practices. Material and method: Insights were gathered from 28 participants, including 12 diagnosed and 16 non-diagnosed individuals, during the 1st Barrier-Free Afternoon Tea Event. Semi-structured interviews were employed to reveal the shared and distinct barriers faced by both groups. Results: Individuals with disabilities primarily struggled with physical accessibility issues, while non-disabled participants expressed concerns regarding social adaptation and transportation difficulties. Notably, both groups reported communication challenges with administrative staff, albeit in different ways. Disabled individuals highlighted the need for enhanced academic services and improved campus accessibility through dedicated support units. In contrast, non-disabled participants sought broader university support and a wider range of activities. Conclusion: The study notably highlighted a shared willingness among both groups to contribute their unique talents towards fostering a more inclusive environment. This finding underscores the critical importance of comprehensive and inclusive approaches in higher education. By implementing these changes, universities can create a welcoming and equitable learning environment that embraces the diverse experiences and contributions of all community members.

 Amaç: Bu nitel çalışma, engelli ve engelsiz bireylerin üniversite ortamındaki deneyimlerini inceleyerek, bireylerin karşılaştıkları zorlukları ortaya koymak ve daha kapsayıcı uygulamaların gerekliliğini vurgulamayı amaçlamaktadır. Materyal ve yöntem: Çalışmamızda 1. Engelsiz Öğleden Sonra Çayı Etkinliği sırasında 12si tanı almış, 16sı ise tanı almamış olmak üzere toplam 28 katılımcının görüşleri sorgulanmıştır. Her iki grubun da karşılaştığı ortak ve farklı engelleri ortaya çıkarmak amacıyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar: Engelli bireyler öncelikle fiziksel erişilebilirlik sorunlarını, engelsiz katılımcılar ise sosyal uyum ve ulaşım zorluklarına ilişkin endişelerini dile getirmiştir. Her iki grupta da dikkat çekici bir şekilde idari personelle iletişimde zorluklar yaşadıklarını bildirmişlerdir. Ancak bu zorluklar farklı şekillerde ortaya çıkmıştır. Engelli bireyler, akademik hizmetlerin iyileştirilmesi ve kampüs erişilebilirliğinin özel destek birimleri aracılığıyla geliştirilmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamıştır. Buna karşın, engelsiz katılımcılar ise daha geniş bir üniversite desteği ve etkinlik çeşitliliğinin artmasını talep etmiştir. Tartışma: Çalışma, her iki grubun da daha kapsayıcı bir ortamın oluşturulmasına yönelik eşsiz yeteneklerini sunma isteğini özellikle vurgulamıştır. Bu bulgu, yükseköğretimde kapsamlı ve kapsayıcı yaklaşımların kritik önemini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu değişikliklerin uygulanmasıyla üniversiteler, tüm topluluk üyelerinin farklı deneyimlerini ve katkılarını kucaklayan, misafirperver ve adil bir öğrenme ortamı yaratabilirler.

Article Details

Comparative Analysis of Biopsychosocial Barriers Faced by Disabled and Non-Disabled Individuals in A University Setting: A Qualitative Study

Authors:

İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç | Ceyhun Türkmen | Tuğba Arslan | Feyza Şengül | Ayşenur Karakuş | Nilay Şahan | Meltem Yazici Gülay | Özcan Özkan

Publisher:

Hacettepe University

Main Topics:

Rehabilitasyon

Journal:

Ergoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi Vol.13 Issue 3, pp.208-219

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001357886

pISSN:

2147-8945

communication barriers

disabled persons

education

psychological adaptation

social environmentiletişim engelleri

engelli bireyler

eğitim

psikolojik uyum

sosyal çevre

Issues

Article Details

Authors: İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç | Ceyhun Türkmen | Tuğba Arslan | Feyza Şengül | Ayşenur Karakuş | Nilay Şahan | Meltem Yazici Gülay | Özcan Özkan

Publisher: Hacettepe University

Main Topics: Rehabilitasyon

Journal: Ergoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi Vol.13 Issue 3, pp.208-219

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001357886

pISSN: 2147-8945

Issues

Authors:

İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç | Ceyhun Türkmen | Tuğba Arslan | Feyza Şengül | Ayşenur Karakuş | Nilay Şahan | Meltem Yazici Gülay | Özcan Özkan

Publisher:

Hacettepe University

Main Topics:

Rehabilitasyon

Journal:

Ergoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi Vol.13 Issue 3, pp.208-219

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001357886

pISSN:

2147-8945