The Universitas 21 Disability Inclusion Policy Mapping Report
Universitas 21 has announced the launch of the first global mapping of disability inclusion in higher education – the U21 Disability Inclusion Mapping Project, authored by Professor Paul Harpur OAM of the University of Queensland, with the support of over 100 volunteers from across the U21 network. This landmark report provides a practical pathway for universities to strengthen disability inclusion, both individually and collectively, through U21.
With 15–20% of the world’s population and over 10% of university communities living with a disability, the need for change is urgent. Drawing on extensive input from academic and professional staff across U21’s 30 member universities, it maps disability-related policies and practices across research, teaching, and campus life.
Speaking on behalf of U21, Professor Jenny Dixon, U21 Provost, said: “This project embodies the collaborative spirit and global vision of U21. It not only provides a powerful snapshot of our current progress on disability inclusion as part of our wider commitment to Equitable and Inclusive Global Engagement, but also lays out a clear and practical roadmap for what more can be done. We are deeply grateful to Professor Harpur and the many contributors whose work will support more equitable learning environments around the world.”
Key findings: where we stand on disability inclusion
The U21 Disability Inclusion Mapping Project identifies four priority areas for action:
- Prioritise Universal Design in Education
Commit to institution-wide adoption of Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to reduce overreliance on individual accommodations. This approach supports not only students with disabilities but all students, recognising diverse and intersecting identities across the student body.
- Create Inclusive Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pathways to support employability
Expand access to WIL opportunities by collaborating with inclusive employers and offering on-campus roles. These experiences help students with disabilities build confidence in familiar settings while developing skills crucial for global employability.
- Embed Co-Design in Disability-Related Research
Encourage the use of co-design methodologies in research involving disability to ensure that people with lived experience are actively engaged throughout the research lifecycle. This aligns with the UN CRPD and leads to more impactful, inclusive research outcomes.
- Improve Transparency Around Disability Support for International and Visiting Students
Ensure university websites clearly communicate available disability support, particularly for international students. Link related pages for ease of navigation and provide detailed, step-by-step guidance—like the University of Zurich’s clear roadmap—to empower students to make informed decisions before applying.