A census of students with disabilities and the support provided at the University of Aix-Marseille

Access to the college cycle for students with disabilities and their employability have become a priority for universities. The Handicap Mission manages it within the Aix-Marseille University (AMU). Few studies have focused on the students with disabilities' insertion/integration within the universities and on the compensations. The objective of this study is to analyze within the AMU the students with disabilities census and characteristics, and the Handicap Mission's operating. The census was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire (Handi need card: university curriculum, deficiencies, technical and social help, adjustments appealed for at the university). It was performed by the staff at the AMU's Mission Handicap Department/Office. If supporting measures seem to be necessary, the interdisciplinary team (comprised of representatives of the University teaching, Administrative and Technical staff, Mission Handicap staff, Preventive Medicine staff, and partners from associations involved in assisting people with disabilities) then defines and sets up suitable means of assistance. The Handicap Mission improves students with disabilities insertion, defines necessary adjustments, and promotes research on disability. A total of 551 students with disabilities were identified, 304 in law and human sciences. In all, 141 deficiencies encountered related to language disorders, among which 105 were not defined by the students ('Other' in the questionnaire). In all, 519 SWD benefited from extra time when sitting exams and 40 were helped to take notes by others students. Compensations and Handicap Mission improve the monitoring and the link between high school and university for the students with disabilities, promote their exam success, and support them in their working life.