Barriers faced by students with visual impairment in services supporting inclusion in higher learning in Mexico

Abstract

This research aims to know the support services (SSs) for the inclusion of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mexico, and detect the barriers that exist in them for the achievement of an effective inclusion of students with visual impairment (VI), as well as, to know the proposals of students with VI for the improvement of these services. This analysis was attended by twelve students, from eight universities in Mexico, from different semesters and professional careers. Based on the analysis of data, the responses were structured by topics focused on investigating the SSs of HEIs, the barriers faced by students with VIs in these services and their proposals for improvement. The results yielded information regarding the scarcity of HEIs in Mexico for inclusion and the weight they have for student learning with VI, and also pointed to a task more focused on administrative, than pedagogical. It was concluded that it is necessary to analyze where the HEIs are in the inclusion process, not only to ensure access and incorporation of students with VIs, but to recognize the various profiles and provide effective support services.