Experiences and recommendations for disability offices: a qualitative study in Italian and Spanish universities

This study analyses the experiences of graduates with disabilities in Italy and Spain concerning university disability offices, as well as their recommendations for improvement. Based on semi-structured interviews with 62 graduates (31 Italian and 31 Spanish), three main themes are identified: reasons for engaging in offices, contributions of the supports offered to university success, and recommendations for improvement. The thematic data analysis reveals that most attended disability offices for guidance, emotional support and mediation with faculty members. The study underlines the importance of these offices for both university success and emotional well-being. Recommendations include the need for better staff training and greater visibility of the disability offices. The findings also suggest that universities should tailor their support programmes to the individual needs of students with disabilities while adopting a universal design approach. This involves incorporating their voices in designing policies and practices and fostering closer collaboration with other initiatives for the general student population, both on campus and in the wider community, to create a more inclusive and equitable university environment.