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Experience of Living with Disability of University Students in Saudi Arabia
Mona I. Mohammed1* and Abeer M. Alrashed1
1Department of Health Administration, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract:
Individuals with disability experience challenges that can be burdens for society members. In Saudi Arabia, the living experience of individuals with disability has been given little attention. Thus, this study was conducted to understand the challenges and expectations of university students with disabilities to improve their living experience. This study recruited 18 students with visual, physical, or hearing impairments to explore their experience using semi-structured interviews. Their responses were thematically analyzed and revealed three major issues: challenges in living with disability, perception toward their impairments, and optimism toward the future. The students faced physical, communicational, and emotional barriers to meeting their needs. Despite limited academic programs for students with disabilities, many students were self-motivated to pursue their education and earn academic degrees. Additionally, they were optimistic about career opportunities, individuals’ rights, and society’s perception of disability. Disability-related barriers have hindered the students from living independently and enjoying social and academic life. To enhance their living experience, physical and social adjustments are highly recommended by enforcing construction and design regulations and community-based interventions. Additionally, nationwide programs to support such individuals’ success in both academic and professional life must be provided.
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Keywords: Students with disability, Living experience, Higher education, University, Saudi Arabia, Thematic analysis, Qualitative study
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Received:November 12, 2023; Revised:December 12, 2023; Accepted:December 20, 2023; Published:December 30, 2023
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*Corresponding author; e-mail: Monaibrahimali19@gmail.com
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Citation:I., M., & M., A.(2023). Experience of Living with Disability of University Students in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 3(4), 50-58. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2023v03.04.0006
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Copyright: ©
2023
The Author(s). Published with license by IIKII, Singapore. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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