Qualitative Investigation of Challenges for Students with Learning Disabilities Attending Saudi Universities

Students with learning disabilities (LDs) are members of most educational settings, from primary school to university. At the university level, students with LDs face many challenges. The aim of the current study is to explore the challenges and needs of students with LDs attending Saudi Arabian universities. The study investigates factors contributing to the academic and social successes of students with LDs. Data were collected using a qualitative interview methodology. The sample comprised nine participants: five students diagnosed with LDs and four faculty members. The results suggest that students with LDs continue to face challenges and often do not receive adequate support from the social and academic environments within the university, and this can negatively impact their educational performance. These results contribute to a better understanding of the needs of students with LDs in higher education and may assist in the development of a more inclusive university environment, particularly in Saudi Arabia.