Original Research

Enabling disability inclusive practices within the University of Cape Town curriculum: A case study

Chioma Ohajunwa, Judith Mckenzie, Theresa Lorenzo
African Journal of Disability | Vol 4, No 1 | a157 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v4i1.157 | © 2015 Chioma Ohajunwa, Judith Mckenzie, Theresa Lorenzo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 02 September 2014 | Published: 17 July 2015

About the author(s)

Chioma Ohajunwa, Disability Studies Programme, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Judith Mckenzie, Disability Studies Programme, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Theresa Lorenzo, Disability Studies Programme, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Disability inclusion in the curricula of higher education institutions contributes to socially responsive graduates with a capacity to address the cross-cutting issue of disability in development. This article discusses a study conducted at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, to explore disability inclusion.

Methodology: An instrumental case study approach was adopted and a thematic analysis of data was done.

Findings: Academic staff found a variety of ways to include disability, such as discussions in class, practice and service learning, but mainly as part of disciplinary requirements. Including disability as an issue of social justice stems mostly from the personal interest of staff, and is done in an ad hoc manner.

Conclusion: Disability should be valued, and integrated into the curriculum in a structured manner as a perspective on diversity with which to interrogate our beliefs about ourselves and society. Theorising on disability is needed, as well as the unique perspectives that emerge across interdisciplinary boundaries, especially within the African context.


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