17 June 2025

Universitas 21 (U21) is proud to announce the launch of the first global mapping of disability inclusion in higher education – the U21 Disability Inclusion Mapping Project,  authored by Professor Paul Harpur of The University of Queensland, with the support of over 100 volunteers and 30 co-authors 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. It highlights common barriers faced by disabled staff and students, showcases innovative approaches, such as the University of Zurich’s student accessibility roadmap, and offers practical, scalable recommendations for universities globally. 

Paul Harpur, an internationally recognised leader in disability rights and higher education policy who co-chairs the U21 Disability Community of Practice and is a member of the U21 EDI Working Group commented:  

“I believe universities are a force for good in society… University education opens opportunities to individuals and provides our nations with the workforces they need for economic growth. On disability, our universities train students with and without disabilities, employ staff with and without disabilities and produce research and innovation which can create a more inclusive world.   

This report is unique because it brings together insights from across the world, showing where we are, where the gaps lie, and what we can do together to move forward within higher education. It is not just a snapshot, but a call to action for universities to learn from one another and adopt practical solutions that will improve the lives of disabled staff, students, and communities. 

 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. 

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.” 

How can Universities use the report? 

• Share the relevant chapters with appropriate departments and colleagues at your university to support their thinking about inclusive education, researcher, student experience and governance. 

• Adopt best practices highlighted throughout the report such as McMaster University  including a specific statement in their incoming exchange student information encouraging them to connect with their incoming students team for support.  

• Reach out to the U21 Secretariat about areas where you want to know more from reports authors. 

The U21 Disability Inclusion Mapping Project is now available to download and read on the U21 website. It is an invaluable resource for university leaders, academic staff, and student advocates alike—helping shape a more inclusive future in higher education. 

To access the full report, visit the U21 Disability Inclusion Mapping Report Landing Page .