The dual impact of disability support on student wellbeing: Insights from a South African university

Abstract

This study examines the effect of reasonable accommodations on the wellbeing of students with impairments. It utilises the accounts of fifteen students with disabilities in a South African university. It utilises a blend of snowball and convenience sampling methods, collecting data via individual semi-structured interviews. The study uncovers a multifaceted relationship between the positives and drawbacks of disability support services. Although these services enhance students' overall wellbeing, they can unintentionally induce illbeing, so underscoring the contradictory impacts of reasonable accommodations. This dichotomy emphasises the necessity for a holistic approach to disability support and a reform of the higher education system to address diversity comprehensively. The results have ramifications for disability management in higher education institutions. A critical evaluation of the quality of disability services is necessary to discover and alleviate unanticipated adverse effects that may cause discomfort and disadvantages to students with impairments.  

Keywords: {'name': 'Disability support, Higher education, Illbeing, Reasonable accommodations, Students’ experiences, Wellbeing'}

Authors & affiliations

Ndakaitei Manase
Affiliation not supplied

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