Towards inclusive universities: Promoting self-advocacy and active citizenship for students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders

The pursuit of inclusion in higher education requires reevaluating the roles and practices of universities. While institutions are increasingly recognized as essential agents in promoting social equity and community well-being, students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders continue to encounter barriers that prevent their full participation in academic and civic life. These challenges highlight the shortcomings of current approaches and emphasize the need for systemic innovations that prioritize both citizenship and active engagement. In this context, the University of Macerata has launched a project aimed at including students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders, seeking to develop transformative strategies that align educational equity with broader objectives of promoting community development and welfare.