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Target:

We are targeting an initial investigation of logistic facilities for students with disabilities in higher education of Bangladesh. A survey questionnaire has prepared to assess the existing facilities available at the higher education institutions of Bangladesh.  The study includes data collections from 18 universities

• 09 public universities (blue),
• 02 international universities (red), and
• 07 private universities (yellow). 

Finally, the survey will focus on the basic facilities or impairments exist for these students with disabilities in these institutions.

Data Collection:

After receiving approval from the Jahangirnagar University (JU) noninvasive and nonclinical ethical council, data collecting began. All participants were given the necessary papers to meet with the requirement of the ethical committee. Using a online survey tool (Google forms), we have collected our data from the above mentioned 18 higher education institutions located in the different parts of Bangladesh.

Figure: Bar graph showing different key questions and their outcome in percentage.

Data Analysis

Figure (A) shows organizational support and opportunity exists for physical, mental, visual and educational challenged students at the higher education institutions of Bangladesh. In public universities, there is a clear lacking of the facilities in compared to the two international universities and private universities. In public universities at least 1 to 3% seats (Quota) are allocated to students with disabilities whereas in international and private universities students with disabilities can be admitted based on special consideration (Figure (B)).  Figure (C) shows weather these institutes have counseling center for students with disabilities. Figure (D) shows Does academic infrastructures of these institutes have special transportation facilities for physically challenged students?. Figures (E), (F) and (G) shows classroom facilities, travel assistance facilities and examination arrangement for the visually impaired students, respectively. Figure (H) shows the special arrangement for deaf/speech impaired at the different premises of the universities.   

Outcome:

Students with disabilities in Higher Education of Bangladesh are less privileged than regular students in terms of post-admission facilities. Again, there is no effective rehabilitation and counseling centre for them in any organization.  We have also noticed that faculty members and office stuffs do not have adequate knowledge about dealing students with disabilities in most of the institutes. In light of this survey, we can say that the current Driver Asia project is expected to play a very critical role.