Inclusion and Accessibility: An exploratory investigation of support service for students with disabilities and SLD in arts higher education in Italy


Abstract:

Support services for students with disabilities and specific learning disorders (SLD) refer to the services offered by higher education institutions to promote students’ inclusion and integration in academic life. Despite extensive studies on inclusion and accessibility, the knowledge of support services offered in Italy to arts students with disabilities and SLD is scant. This multi-case study aims to fill this gap in the literature. Information about support services was collected from the websites of accredited fine art and design institutions. Following a description of the context and a summary of recent national regulations regarding academic services for learners with disabilities and SLD, a report of the collected data is provided with critical considerations on the themes that emerged from the thematic analysis. The findings may help institutions improve support services and policymakers foster national rules.