A systematic review of college students with disabilities in south Korea: Focus on the ICF framework

This study aimed to identify trends in the research on college students with disabilities in South Korea by focusing on the ICF framework. Ultimately, the intention was to shape directions for future research on higher education students with disabilities. Method: An analysis of 174 domestic articles listed in the KCI (candidate) database was conducted by searching for keywords related to college students with disabilities from 2010 to 2019. These articles were analyzed according to their research subjects, research methods, research fields, research topics, and the six components of the ICF model. Results: First, most of the articles dealt with visual or hearing impairments, and the rest showed increases in intellectual disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. Second, much of the research was related to awareness attitudes, and studies on the current status of the research field, learning and campus life of the research topic. Third, the analysis of each component of ICF showed a general decrease in studies on body functions and structures, and an increase in studies on activities (limitations) and participation (restrictions). However, few articles dealt with the health conditions. Conclusion: A discussion of future research and feasible policies for supporting higher education students with disabilities concludes the paper.