Disability-Friendly Campus: Assessing Infrastructure, Support, and Campus Community Perceptions

Abstrak

This study examines issues related to disability-friendly (OKU) facilities in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs) by assessing the level of infrastructure readiness, social support, and campus community acceptance of students with disabilities. Despite various initiatives implemented by the government and HEIs to enhance inclusive educational access, students with disabilities continue to face challenges concerning infrastructure, learning accessibility, and societal perceptions. Key issues identified include inadequate physical facilities such as elevators, barrier-free pathways, accessible transportation, and specialised learning equipment. Additionally, social challenges such as stigma, limited awareness, and constraints in support services negatively impact the learning experiences of OKU students. The objectives of this study are to examine the support and barriers encountered by OKU students in HEIs, identify campus community perceptions toward these students, and evaluate the effectiveness of disability-friendly facilities provided. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive design through content analysis of 10 relevant scholarly articles, including prior studies that utilised interviews, surveys, and document analysis. Data was collected through systematic searches using keywords such as OKU, campus accessibility, and inclusive higher education. The findings indicate that although peers generally demonstrate positive attitudes and contribute to strong social support, physical facilities in HEIs still do not fully comply with accessibility standards. Incomplete and non-inclusive infrastructure remains a major barrier to mobility, learning, and academic performance among OKU students. The study underscores the importance of adhering to accessibility standards and providing comprehensive academic and social support to ensure a fair and inclusive educational experience for all students.