Page 406 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

random sampling approach under the probabilistic sampling method. As they were deemed

appropriate resources for this research, after the sample questionnaire was filled out, the data
analysis was carried out using the software programme Statistical Package of Social Sciences

(SPSS version 26), following the analytical approach utilised.

To display, arrange, simplify, and summarise the obtained data in the most relevant manner,

descriptive information of the data was identified using descriptive statistics approaches.
Bartlett's Test of Sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkim (KMO) Measure of Sampling

Adequacy were used to evaluate if the data were appropriate for exploratory factor analysis.

Overall consistency and repeatability have been assessed using the Cronbach's Alpha
Coefficient.

4. Objectives of the Study

The key objective of the research is to identify the barriers that hinder educational inclusion

for students with disabilities through the perceptions of undergraduates in relation to peers

with disabilities. The study formulated two specific objectives which cover different levels
of barriers to inclusive education. They are:

I. to investigate the availability of training for applying measures to facilitate
the inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education institutes.

II. to analyse challenges encountered by the university/higher education

institute when implementing curricular adaptation for inclusive education.

5. Scope, Significance and Limitations of the Study

A good tertiary education experience is linked to broad social and economic advantages after

individuals with disabilities are enrolled in higher education. The kind and calibre of
interactions a student has with their peers influence their academic performance to some

extent. Therefore, peers have a significant role in determining the calibre of undergraduates

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