Inclusion of Students With Intellectual Disability in Saudi Universities: Understanding the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Background: The global discourse on higher education underscores its pivotal role in personal development, societal progress and economic prosperity. However, actual implementation and practices within universities have not kept pace, and students with intellectual disability still struggle, as their journey towards accessing and succeeding in higher education is marked by intricate challenges. Therefore, this study investigated the gap between theory and practice in Saudi universities, obtaining an in-depth understanding of the inclusion of students with intellectual disability in universities, current challenges and factors perceived as critical for enhancing these students' enrolment and success. Methods: We employed a basic interpretive qualitative approach to gain insight into the perceptions of 12 faculty members and four staff members via a series of initial and follow-up semistructured interviews and focus group. In addition, we analysed a set of relevant documents. Findings: The findings highlight the following themes: admission process and entry requirements, implementation gaps in educational policies, nondisclosure of disability, accessibility and support, and critical factors for successful inclusion; several subthemes also emerged. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex dynamics between policy and practice, revealing significant gaps that need to be addressed to ensure genuine inclusivity. Based on the findings, we discuss future directions in terms of research and practice.