Transition from pre-tertiary to tertiary educational institution : perceived challenges by students with disabilities at a rural university in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Though transition from pre-tertiary to tertiary institutions needs to bring new aspirations and a sense of change in many areas of lifeâ??s experiences for students with disabilities, it can also bring about many un-anticipated challenges. This study assessed the perception of students with disabilities concerning challenges associated with their transition from pre-tertiary to tertiary educational institution. A descriptive design was employed in which questionnaires were administered to 67 students with disabilities (mean age = 26.58±4.69 years) at the University of Venda. Descriptive data analysis indicated that many challenges exist in the host institution that hinder the smooth transition of students with disabilities beyond the pre-tertiary level. To many students with disabilities, transition seemed to be a culture shock leaving them unwelcomed in the new learning environment. It is, therefore, recommended that tertiary institutions provide a wide range of support to students with disabilities in special needs areas such as: admission, teaching methodology, learning programmes, learner support materials and equipment.