Disabled Students’ perception of the sensory aspects of the learning and social environments within one Higher Education Institution

Introduction: The environment, both natural and man-made, can influence how we learn and socialise. For some, the environment can be a challenge to overcome. The purpose of this study was to establish a student’s perspective on the sensory aspects of the learning and social environments of a university. Methods: A survey design based upon Winnie Dunn’s Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile was developed specifically for this study; 150 disabled students responded to the survey, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and template analysis. Results: The final template analysis identified 3 main themes with 10 sub-themes, with each sub-theme relating to the research question as well as to the level of explanation: (a) Theme one: Barriers in the environment described noise, poor lighting, crowding and lack of visual cues that created difficulties for the respondents to this survey. The sub-themes were obstacles to learning in the library, obstacles to learning in lectures, obstacles to learning in exams and ventilation in learning spaces. (b) Theme two: Reactions to barriers, included how respondents react to sensory overload and uncertainty in the environment. The sub-themes encompassed problems when schedules change regularly, and reactions when overwhelmed in college. (c) Theme three: Improving the environment refers to suggestions that respondents made to improving the environment for all students to enable engagement and participation within college. The sub-themes compromised of developing a safe space for managing sensory needs, seeking natural elements across campus, seeking awareness, as well as adaptions and strategies for transitions. Conclusion: Respondents identified how individuals have varied responses to sensory stimuli thereby increasing our understanding. They pointed to a way forward for institutes of higher education to design spaces that are more inclusive by putting forward suggestions for greater use of green space, better furnishings and minimisation of distractions, thereby increasing the health and welfare for all.