Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies

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Browsing Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies by Author "Chimedza, Margaret"

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    Exploring the lived experiences of students with disclosed epilepsy in accessing support services at a teachers’ college in Zimbabwe
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Chimedza, Margaret; Ohajunwa, Chioma; Geiger, Martha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : There is a marked increase in students with disabilities accessing higher education. A significant proportion of these students constitute students with chronic conditions such as epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the lived experiences of students with disclosed epilepsy in accessing support services at a Teachers’ College in Zimbabwe. The main objectives were to identify the provisions that are available in the institution and the accessibility barriers students with epilepsy encounter in their learning. The study also intended to provide guidelines to stakeholders on how to assist students with epilepsy in accessing higher education based on their experiences. The study employed a qualitative approach to answer the main research question. Four former students with disclosed epilepsy, recruited through snowballing, participated in the research. Data was gathered by responding to telephonic interviews and analysed through thematic analysis. Three themes were derived from the data which included facilitators to inclusion, accessibility barriers and reasonable adjustments that the participants suggested would improve their access to higher education. Findings from the study indicated that the lack of mandatory disability policies, negative attitudes from the college community, inappropriate training of members of staff and lack of information acted as obstacles to accessing support services in the institution. The participants recommended that institutions draw up policies that guide their operations. They expressed the need for appropriate training for academic staff, psychosocial support, the need for disability awareness campaigns and self-representation at the college. The study outcomes recognized the need for institutions to adopt a Multi-dimensional support framework that values human rights and creates an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Findings from this study may add to the information base about the support services appropriate for students with epilepsy in accessing higher education.