Comenius University Bratislava > About > Rectorate > Support center for students with special needs > Projects and Activities > Current Projects > Identification and Analysis of Barriers at Higher Education Institutions in the Slovak Republic

Identification and Analysis of Barriers at Higher Education Institutions in the Slovak Republic

An accessible, barrier-free environment is one of the fundamental prerequisites for the implementation of inclusive education. Pursuant to Section 100(1) of Act No. 131/2002 Coll. on Higher Education Institutions and on Amendments and Supplements to Certain Acts, public and state higher education institutions are required to create a universally accessible academic environment, including by providing appropriate study conditions for students with specific needs without lowering the requirements for their academic performance.

The entire educational environment and the related processes must be designed in a way that provides appropriate conditions for study and ensures equality and inclusion of students with disabilities/specific needs, in accordance with the principle of equal treatment.

In autumn 2024, the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic launched a project aimed at identifying and analysing barriers at higher education institutions in Slovakia as part of the implementation of the Government Programme. The initiative is based on the Long-Term Strategy for Educational, Research, Development, Artistic and Other Creative Activities in Higher Education for 2023–2028.

The mapping and analysis of needs will be carried out in two areas: the physical environment and the online environment.

Identification and Analysis of Barriers in the Physical Environment

In this area, the project will focus on assessing the architectural accessibility of higher education premises. In particular, this involves mapping the accessibility of lecture rooms, libraries, laboratories, student accommodation, sanitary facilities and other key areas.

Higher education institutions will have the opportunity to identify barriers that restrict the mobility and independence of students and staff with disabilities/specific needs and to propose the necessary modifications.

Identification and Analysis of Barriers in the Online Environment

This area focuses on the accessibility of information and study materials for students with disabilities/specific needs. It includes accessibility audits of websites, information systems, library catalogues and electronic documents.

The aim is to assess the current situation regarding barriers in the online environments of higher education institutions, identify the main areas in which digital barriers occur, and propose measures to remove existing barriers and prevent new ones from arising.

The project is expected to result in improved study conditions for students with disabilities/specific needs, greater inclusion within higher education institutions, and enhanced equality of opportunity in access to education.

Basic Information about the Project – Preparatory Phase

Project title: 2.6 Support and Assistance for Pupils and Students (Higher Education Subproject)

Subproject title: Identification of Barriers in the Online Environment at Higher Education Institutions in the Slovak Republic (IBON)

Project implementation period: October 2024 – February 2025

Implementing unit:

Support Centre for Students with Special Needs (CPŠ), Comenius University Bratislava

The main objective of the project is to map the needs of higher education institutions and to prepare an investment plan that will enable resources to be allocated effectively to removing barriers in the higher education environment.

Main Activities

  1. Analysis of documentation from previous assessments of digital barriers.
  2. Creation of a database of collaborators, experts and consultants working with the implementing unit, as well as contact details for the persons responsible at individual higher education institutions.
  3. Informing higher education institutions about the project and the procedures for its implementation.
  4. Collection of data on the information systems and educational platforms in use.
  5. Training of evaluators in the accessibility of websites and applications.
  6. Development of a methodology for audits and questionnaire surveys.

Basic Information about the Project – Implementation Phase

Project title: 2.12 Support Measures (Higher Education Subproject)

Subproject title: Identification of Barriers in the Online Environment at Higher Education Institutions in the Slovak Republic 2 (IBON2)

Project implementation period: June 2025 – October 2026

Implementing unit:

Support Centre for Students with Special Needs (CPŠ), Comenius University Bratislava

The main objective of the project is to map the needs of higher education institutions and to prepare an investment plan that will enable resources to be allocated effectively to removing barriers in the higher education environment.

Main Activities

  1. Accessibility audits: testing the accessibility of websites, information systems, library catalogues and electronic documents.
  2. Questionnaire surveys.
  3. Focus groups.
  4. Development of proposed measures, including financial estimates, to remove existing barriers and prevent new barriers from arising.