Systematic Literature Review: University Community Awareness Toward Inclusive Education in Fostering Volunteerism Attitudes for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
Keywords:
Public awareness; volunteerism; PWD; inclusivity; educationAbstract
Public awareness within university communities regarding Persons with Disabilities (PWD) is pivotal in promoting inclusive education and fostering a culture of meaningful volunteerism. This study aims to synthesize empirical literature on the role of higher education institutions in cultivating awareness and volunteer attitudes toward PWD using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. Two reputable databases, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. The review process followed the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram to ensure a structured and transparent selection of literature. From an initial pool of 1,794 articles, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria and were thematically analyzed. The results revealed that awareness of PWD among university communities remains limited, particularly in accessibility, empathy-driven engagement, and inclusive academic support. Three dominant themes emerged: awareness of PWD-friendly infrastructure in educational settings, awareness of social support structures, and understanding of inclusive teaching and learning practices. These themes highlight the need for targeted training, institutional commitment, and hands-on exposure within universities to nurture volunteerism grounded in inclusivity. The study recommends integrating disability awareness into university curricula, establishing sustainable volunteer programs, and reinforcing inclusive education policies. By empowering university students and staff with awareness and skills, institutions can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for PWD, thus aligning with global inclusive education goals and sustainable development agendas.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.7.6
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