Virtual solutions for diversity: the emerging role of assistive technology in inclusive higher education

Purpose Global issues related to Inclusive Education in higher education cover various aspects, including accessibility, financial support and policy gaps. Data from UNESCO shows that about 15% of the world’s population has a disability, but in many countries, their participation rate in higher education is still very low. The urgent need to establish a genuinely accessible and inclusive higher education environment for all high education, including those with impairments. This study aims to identify building inclusive education in higher education: a systematic literature review of strategic approaches, technology, management and learning outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This study followed PRISMA guidelines for systematic literature reviews. The strings are based on the paper title’s keywords, emphasizing instructor performance and competency. Higher education requires strategic methods, technology integration, effective management and better learning results. Findings This study concludes that 1) ensure that every student has non-discriminatory, equal access to resources and learning opportunities. 2) implementation policies to support accessibility support for students with disabilities, 3) a framework for designing learning tasks and activities, 4) an integrated approach to interdisciplinarity in education for sustainable development, 5) emerging trends in research on inclusive virtual education, 6) provide insights and strategies to foster diversity and inclusion in higher education and 7) the role of virtual assistive technology in inclusive higher education. Originality/value This study concluded that inclusive policies, technology and management practices can improve education for all students, including impairments, assistive technology helps learning-disabled pupils compete.