The The pandemic as an exclusion factor for students with disabilities in higher education

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the main consequences that COVID-19 has had on university students with disabilities. We acknowledge that higher education institutions have made important efforts in response to health contingency, however, specific measures are needed to meet students with disabilities demands. Some of the main barriers faced by this population are the lack of accessible information, the decreased learning and participation opportunities in the classes, the shortage of support and accommodations, as well as the reduction in access to university resources and services. We believe that students with disabilities have specific needs, but, at the same time, that they share demands with other vulnerable groups. In addition, inclusive education is a human right, accepted and ratified by many countries, including Mexico. Strategies aiming at widening learning opportunities of these students and at strengthening their permanence in higher education not only benefit them, but so do the rest of students, besides, it contributes to the development of inclusive educational institutions.