Support for students with disabilities in higher education: Reviewing the limitations of the concept of “reasonable accommodation”

Abstract

 This study summarizes the limitations of the concept of “reasonable accommodation,” as stipulated in the Act on the Elimination of Disability Discrimination, and discusses how to determine and overcome such limitations in higher education. The Act defines the concept of “discrimination against people with disabilities,” and prohibits higher education institutions (HEI) from discriminating against students with disabilities. Accordingly, HEIs are making progress in supporting students with disabilities and establishing specialized consulting services. However, the duty to make reasonable accommodations is limited to when there is no undue burden to do so. As a result, depending on the schools' financial base, size, and other factors, it is difficult to guarantee that the rights of students with disabilities are fulfilled, especially when their support is costly. Furthermore, students with developmental or mental disabilities may not be eligible for reasonable accommodations because of their difficulty in expressing their intentions. To address these issues, this study suggests that it is important to consider support as a driving force for the promotion of universal education design, emphasize the positive effects of student diversity in universities, and expand social services to lower existing barriers to the implementation of support.