Proposals for the Improvement of University Classrooms: The Perspective of Students with Disabilities

• Published in: Procedia, social and behavioral sciences social and behavioral sciences, 2016-07, Vol.228, p.175-182
• Main Authors: Lopez-Gavira, Rosario, Moriña, Anabel, Melero-Aguilar, Noelia, Perera-Rodríguez, Victor Hugo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Classroom; Proposal for improvement; Students with disabilities; University
• ISSN: 1877-0428; 1877-0428
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.07.026

This paper examines the proposals for the improvement of university classrooms from the perspective of Spanish students with disabilities. Using the biographic-narrative methodology, data was collected and analysed applying a system of categories and codes. The following instruments were used: group and individual interviews, lifelines, self-reporting, photographs, a day in their lives and interviews with key people for the life of the students. These are the most important characteristics of an ideal classroom for the participating students: physical accessibility for everyone, participative teaching methodologies and the use of the many technological resources, positive attitudes on behalf of faculty regarding disability and specific academic-training in disability and new technologies. The conclusions section includes a series of suggestions to design accessible university classrooms for everyone. The proposals for improving the university environment as provided by the students are precisely the main contribution of this paper beyond previous research, which focused exclusively on analyzing barriers and resources as identified by students with disabilities.