Beyond Rhetoric: Examining Realities of Inclusivity for Students with Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Education

In this qualitative research undertaking, the researchers’ primary focus is to explore the challenges experienced by students with disabilities (SwDs) pursuing higher education in Srinagar city, Kashmir. The study, conducted across various educational institutions, engaged 24 purposefully selected participants from whom data were gathered through in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done thematically, and four overarching themes, including infrastructure and accessibility, institutional support and awareness, education-related challenges, and socioeconomic and psychological obstacles, were identified. Results highlight that the SwDs experience a myriad of challenges, including the absence of disability-friendly infrastructure and transportation, accessibility barriers, inadequate institutional support, limited awareness among teachers about disabilities, and compounding financial and psychological challenges. Consequently, the study highlights a noticebale gap between the claim made by institutions of higher learning regarding full inclusivity for SwDs and the ground realities they experience. Recognising and addressing these issues is, therefore, imperative for the concerned institutions to genuinely uphold the principles of inclusiveness.