DISCRIMINATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SERBIA Cover Image

DISKRIMINACIJA OSOBA SA INVALIDITETOM U SISTEMU VISOKOG OBRAZOVANJA U SRBIJI
DISCRIMINATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SERBIA

Author(s): Danica Vasiljević-Prodanović
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Education, School education, Adult Education, Inclusive Education / Inclusion
Published by: CENTAR MODERNIH ZNANJA
Keywords: higher education; disability; accessibility; discrimination; reasonable adjustments;

Summary/Abstract: Higher education is a very important factor for inclusion of people with disabilities in social life. However, the inaccessibility of higher education institutions in Serbia greatly impares the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities to higher education. As a negative example, we have to mention the Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the University of Belgrade, which is not accessible for people with disabilities. The biggest paradox is that this institution for disability studies does not have adequate conditions for the education of students with disabilities, as well as the work of employed persons with disabilities. Bearing in mind that the Republic of Serbia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009 and adopted the laws on the prohibition of discrimination and the prevention of discrimination against persons with disabilities, it is rightful to expect from the state to actively work through its institutions on removing architectural and social barriers that prevent the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens. Higher education institutions have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to enable students with disabilities to participate in education on the same basis as other students. It refers to modifications to physical environment (e.g. building ramps, installing a lift, making modifications to computer equipment in the library), provision of course materials in accessible format, changes in course design and lecture schedules, provision of specialized services for students with disabilities, etc. The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the problem of inaccessibility of higher education institutions in Serbia and to emphasize the obligation of the state to prevent the discrimination of persons with disabilities by removing barriers and creating equal opportunities for acquiring higher education.

  • Issue Year: IV/2019
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 500-505
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: Serbian