Page 62 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

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

1. Introduction and Research Problem

Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is one of the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals established by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 as part

of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 4 aims to
"ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong

learning opportunities for all." This goal reflects the importance of
education in achieving sustainable development, as education is considered

a fundamental human right and a key factor in reducing poverty, promoting

health and well-being, and fostering economic growth and social inclusion.
The global perspective on inclusion in education has been shaped by the

struggle of people with disabilities since 1990. As a result, the right to

inclusive education was recognised in Article 24 of the 2006 UN
Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNESCO, 2020).

In higher education, individuals with disabilities such as students, scholars

or researchers, continue to be underrepresented as they are among the most
marginalised, vulnerable, and excluded groups in higher education institutes

(UN, ND). Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, learning disability,

visual impairment, autistic, dexterity disability, lack of hearing and speech
disability were the most common disabilities among undergraduates

(American College Health Association, 2022). To improve outcomes for
students with disabilities, it is important to raise awareness about disability

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