Inclusive Universities. Exploring the well-being of university students with special needs in Albania

Authors

  • Brunilda Zenelaga Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta", 1023 Tiranë, Shqipëri, Albania
  • Aida Goga Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta", 1023 Tiranë, Shqipëri, Albania
  • Roman Králik Department of Russian Language, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moscow, Russian Federation & Theological Institute in Spišské Podhradie, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Spišská Kapitula 12, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2024.2.373.386

Keywords:

university, students with special needs, inclusion, social wellbeing, Albania

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study is to explore the issue of the inclusion of university students with special needs (USSN) in universities and their social well-being, based on the case of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana in the Republic of Albania.

Methods. The methodology used is based on the combination of secondary sources, with primary ones, provided through the interview of the academic and administrative staff, parents and students.

Results. The study highlighted that in the Republic of Albania important positive steps have been taken in improving the legislation of Higher Education regarding the inclusion of UUUUSSN in universities. This has been successfully adapted to the Unaiversity Statute of the University of Tirana. Also, the study highlighted that even from the infrastructural aspect, some opportunities have been created for USSN in this faculty, but they are still insufficient. The lack of protocols and individual programmes for the treatment of USSN is a necessity. Regardless of these shortcomings and some people’s skepticism about the participation of USSN in university education, a friendly climate is created in this faculty, in function of the social well-being of USSN.

Conclusions. As a conclusion, the adaptation of the philosophy of inclusion in concrete practices is met with numerous challenges. Regarding the creation of a friendly climate in function of the social welfare of USNS, the case of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana constitutes a positive model, which should be promoted.

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Author Biographies

  • Brunilda Zenelaga, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta", 1023 Tiranë, Shqipëri, Albania

    Associated Professor Brunilda Zenelaga  is a full-time lecturer at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana. In addition to the experiences within the country, she has participated in several university exchange programs at University Paul Valery-Montpellier III University, France , University of Siena, Italy etc.  She is  author and co-author of several articles published in Albania and abroad, manual writer, participant in several study projects, national and international conferences. Currently she teaches in Bachelor and Master programs offered by the Department of Sociology, mainly in areas of sociology of migration and urban sociology.

  • Aida Goga, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, Bulevardi "Gjergj Fishta", 1023 Tiranë, Shqipëri, Albania

    Aida Goga is a lecturer and chief of Department of Philosophy at Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, since 2014. Her curriculum includes a long experience as a trainer in various NGOs, as well as consulting in various institutions and organizations. She is the author of several articles published locally and abroad. 

       
  • Roman Králik, Department of Russian Language, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moscow, Russian Federation & Theological Institute in Spišské Podhradie, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Spišská Kapitula 12, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia

    Roman Kralik currently works as the director of the Kierkegaard Society in Slovakia and Professor of Philosophy. His main interest is the Danish thinker Soren Kierkegaard. He also deals with culture studies and the problem of education. He is the editor-in-chief of the Acta KIerkegaardiana (University of Toronto) series. Professor Kralik also works at the Department of Russian Language  Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)  Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moscow, Russian Federation  & Theological Institute in Spišské Podhradie.

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Published

2024-09-25

How to Cite

Zenelaga, B. ., Goga, A., & Králik, R. (2024). Inclusive Universities. Exploring the well-being of university students with special needs in Albania. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 15(2), 373-386. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2024.2.373.386