People with disabilities: the availability of higher education

Abstract

The aim of the study is to demonstrate the unpreparedness of universities to accept people with disabilities as well as to examine the situation of those already studying. Theoretical assumptions are based on theories of disability Freidson (1965, 1970), Parsons (1951), Thomas (2008) and Barnes, Colin and Geof Mercer (2013) and stigma concept of Goffman (1985). The aim of the research is assessment of availability of higher education for the disabled. The study is based on analysis of existing data from GUS (2008, 2014), research conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman (2011, 2015) and studies of the Foundation Institute for Regional Development (2012). Based on the analysis of existing data it can be stated that the availability of higher education for people with disabilities is limited, as well as the support offered by the institution does not meet the needs. Universities are not prepared to accept the disabled, participation of students with disabilities in education at university level is still low. Undertaken theme is important for the current social policy towards disabled people in Poland. It indicates issues for improvement in higher education, especially in work compared data from the period of 8 years, the comparison shows that the changes occurred primarily at a theoretical level, the practice remains unchanged.