Comparative Analysis of Biopsychosocial Barriers Faced by Disabled and Non-Disabled Individuals in A University Setting: A Qualitative Study

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 3, 208 - 219, 03.09.2025

İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç , Ceyhun Türkmen , Tuğba Arslan , Feyza Şengül , Ayşenur Karakuş , Nilay Şahan , Meltem Yazici Gülay , Özcan Özkan

https://doi.org/10.30720/ered.1552156

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study examines the experiences of both disabled and non-disabled individuals within a university setting, illuminating their unique challenges and underscoring the necessity for more inclusive practices. Material and method: Insights were gathered from 28 participants, including 12 diagnosed and 16 non-diagnosed individuals, during the "1st Barrier-Free Afternoon Tea Event." Semi-structured interviews were employed to reveal the shared and distinct barriers faced by both groups. Results: Individuals with disabilities primarily struggled with physical accessibility issues, while non-disabled participants expressed concerns regarding social adaptation and transportation difficulties. Notably, both groups reported communication challenges with administrative staff, albeit in different ways. Disabled individuals highlighted the need for enhanced academic services and improved campus accessibility through dedicated support units. In contrast, non-disabled participants sought broader university support and a wider range of activities. Conclusion: The study notably highlighted a shared willingness among both groups to contribute their unique talents towards fostering a more inclusive environment. This finding underscores the critical importance of comprehensive and inclusive approaches in higher education. By implementing these changes, universities can create a welcoming and equitable learning environment that embraces the diverse experiences and contributions of all community members.

Keywords

communication barriers , disabled persons , education , psychological adaptation , social environment

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for the research was received from Cankiri Karatekin University Ethics Committee (unique decision code: 4be893c679d4404f).

Thanks

We would like to thank the administrative staff of Cankiri Karatekin University Faculty of Health Sciences for their help in organising the 1st Barrier-Free Afternoon Tea Event. Furthermore, we acknowledge that none of the researchers involved in this study are native English speakers. To ensure the linguistic quality and fluency of our manuscript, we utilized an artificial intelligence application, Academic Assistant Pro. This tool has been invaluable in refining our language use and enhancing the overall readability of our academic work. Our appreciation extends to all individuals and tools that have supported us in bringing this research to fruition.

Üniversite Ortamında Engelli ve Engelsiz Bireylerin Karşılaştığı Biyopsikososyal Engellerin Karşılaştırmalı Analizi: Nitel Bir Çalışma

Abstract

Amaç: Bu nitel çalışma, engelli ve engelsiz bireylerin üniversite ortamındaki deneyimlerini inceleyerek, bireylerin karşılaştıkları zorlukları ortaya koymak ve daha kapsayıcı uygulamaların gerekliliğini vurgulamayı amaçlamaktadır. Materyal ve yöntem: Çalışmamızda "1. Engelsiz Öğleden Sonra Çayı Etkinliği" sırasında 12'si tanı almış, 16'sı ise tanı almamış olmak üzere toplam 28 katılımcının görüşleri sorgulanmıştır. Her iki grubun da karşılaştığı ortak ve farklı engelleri ortaya çıkarmak amacıyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar: Engelli bireyler öncelikle fiziksel erişilebilirlik sorunlarını, engelsiz katılımcılar ise sosyal uyum ve ulaşım zorluklarına ilişkin endişelerini dile getirmiştir. Her iki grupta da dikkat çekici bir şekilde idari personelle iletişimde zorluklar yaşadıklarını bildirmişlerdir. Ancak bu zorluklar farklı şekillerde ortaya çıkmıştır. Engelli bireyler, akademik hizmetlerin iyileştirilmesi ve kampüs erişilebilirliğinin özel destek birimleri aracılığıyla geliştirilmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamıştır. Buna karşın, engelsiz katılımcılar ise daha geniş bir üniversite desteği ve etkinlik çeşitliliğinin artmasını talep etmiştir. Tartışma: Çalışma, her iki grubun da daha kapsayıcı bir ortamın oluşturulmasına yönelik eşsiz yeteneklerini sunma isteğini özellikle vurgulamıştır. Bu bulgu, yükseköğretimde kapsamlı ve kapsayıcı yaklaşımların kritik önemini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu değişikliklerin uygulanmasıyla üniversiteler, tüm topluluk üyelerinin farklı deneyimlerini ve katkılarını kucaklayan, misafirperver ve adil bir öğrenme ortamı yaratabilirler.

Keywords

iletişim engelleri , engelli bireyler , eğitim , psikolojik uyum , sosyal çevre

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