CHALLENGES FACED BY DEAF INDIVIDUALS IN ACCESSING HIGHER EDUCATION

This study examined the challenges faced by deaf individuals in accessing higher education, with a focus on the barriers that hinder their academic success and social integration. Despite global and national efforts to promote inclusive education, deaf students continue to experience systemic obstacles that affect their learning outcomes and general well-being within academic institutions. The research revealed four key areas of concern: communication barriers, inadequate support services, social isolation, and limited awareness and training among educators and support staff. Communication barriers emerged as a major issue, as many institutions fail to provide consistent access to qualified sign language interpreters, captioning services, or note-taking support. Similarly, the absence of adequate assistive technologies and accessible course materials further restricts deaf students’ ability to engage fully in classroom activities. Social isolation, resulting from limited peer interaction and exclusion from extracurricular opportunities, was also identified as a critical challenge. Additionally, the lack of awareness and insufficient training among faculty and support staff often leads to inadequate accommodations and ineffective support mechanisms. The study concludes that addressing these barriers requires deliberate institutional commitment to inclusivity. Recommendations include the development of robust accessibility policies, adequate funding for assistive services, the provision of qualified communication support, and the creation of socially supportive environments that promote peer engagement. By implementing these measures, higher education institutions can foster equity, improve learning experiences, and ensure that deaf students are not only academically successful but also socially integrated. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of inclusive education as a fundamental right and a pathway to equal opportunities for all learners. Keywords: Deaf students, higher education, accessibility, inclusivity, communication barriers, social isolation, and sign language interpretation.