Page 42 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

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

collaboration among institutions and organisations working in academia at the

local, national, and international levels (Delap & Ferencz, 2021).

Indeed, the complexity of fostering inclusion in higher education requires a multi-
faceted approach. Merely increasing funding may not be sufficient. Instead, it

entails having knowledgeable staff who can thoroughly analyse the student
population and comprehend their unique needs. Finding qualified and

compassionate individuals within universities who are driven to support
underrepresented students in overcoming obstacles is crucial. Moreover, creating
open connections between diverse groups of students fosters an inclusive and

welcoming environment (Delap & Ferencz, 2021).

For example, when we talk about students with disabilities, they are only one of
the stakeholders in their higher education. Other important stakeholders are

university teachers, administrative and professional staff in higher education (staff
in libraries, departments, administrative and support services), fellow students,

experts and institutions of practice (workshops, practical work, on-site teaching),
other services (canteens, dormitories, cultural and sports facilities), the local
community (transportation, access to facilities, universal design), the

state/ministries (scholarships, transportation allowance, personal assistance,
personal disability allowance), and NGOs (information, fight for rights, provision
of services). All should take responsibility for their part of obligations in higher

education and work well together if the studies of students with disabilities are to
be successful.

The fact that we may not have discovered people with fewer opportunities in our
educational institutions is no excuse for inaction. Maybe they really do not exist or
we just do not know about them, but by creating an inclusive atmosphere in our

higher education institutions, we show them that they are welcome. Our job is to

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