Between barriers and opportunities: Paradoxes of inclusion for people with disabilities in a public university

Abstract

This study aims to understand the perceptions of people with disabilities (PwDs) regarding their inclusion processes in the workplace at a federal public university. Conducted in northeastern Brazil, the qualitative research explored the subjective experiences of PwDs, focusing on inclusion. The study involved 12 semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected participants, with data analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed significant shortcomings and barriers in the inclusion process, particularly prejudice, discrimination, and bureaucratic obstacles. It was observed that conformity to the dominant group’s standards is valued over distinction, making it difficult for people with disabilities to expand their spaces of inclusion. Additionally, bureaucracy and architectural barriers were identified as major obstacles. A key insight was the desire of people with disabilities to take an active role in their inclusion process rather than merely adapting to existing conditions. This study contributes theoretically by providing a platform for these individuals’ voices, offering insights to enhance inclusive management and institutional inclusion policies in public universities. The findings also broaden the debate on educational policies by suggesting that the inclusion of employees with disabilities may represent a relevant factor in building more inclusive universities. Future research should explore inclusive leadership and the redesign of public spaces.