Accessibility & Special-Needs Policy

Special Needs Policy

Aqaba University of Technology is committed to providing an inclusive, integrated educational environment that meets the needs of all students, including those with special needs. This policy aims to guarantee equal educational opportunity and provide the support required to enable every student to reach their full academic and personal potential.

1- Provide an educational environment that gives students with special needs access to the same educational opportunities and services available to their peers.

2- Provide the academic and social support needed to enable students with special needs to succeed in their university life.

3- Raise awareness across the university community of the rights and needs of people with special needs, and train staff to engage with them appropriately.

Implementation Responsibility

University faculty and administrative staff, and the Deanship of Student Affairs.

Target Groups

• Students with physical disabilities: students with physical disabilities that require special arrangements on campus, such as for mobility and movement.
• Students with intellectual or psychological disabilities: students facing intellectual or psychological challenges that affect their ability to learn and take part in academic activities.

Implementation Procedures

Registration and Assessment:

• Registration process: once admitted to the university, a student may submit a formal request for the accommodations and support they need based on their specific needs. • Assessment: the student's needs are assessed by a specialized committee, which may include reviewing medical reports or assessments from specialists.

Infrastructure Readiness

• Accessibility: ensuring all university buildings and facilities are equipped with entrances and pathways that make access easier for people with special needs, along with dedicated elevators, ramps, and accessible restroom facilities.

• Assistive technology: providing assistive devices and software for students with sensory disabilities, such as computers equipped with screen-reading software or live sign-language interpreters.

Academic Support:

• Providing alternative learning materials: supplying students with materials suited to their needs, such as audiobooks or large-print educational materials.

• Flexibility in assessment: offering special exam arrangements such as extended time, or oral or written exams adapted to a student's needs.

Social and Psychological Support:

• Counseling and psychological support: providing specialized counseling and psychological services to help students adjust to university life and cope with challenges they may face.

• Awareness activities: organizing workshops and seminars to build awareness of the rights and needs of people with special needs among faculty and fellow students.

Training and Development:

• Staff training: providing training programs for faculty and staff on how to work with people with special needs and provide them the support they need.

• Continuous improvement: periodically reviewing and updating programs and policies to keep pace with developments and students' changing needs.

Complaints and Follow-up:

• Complaints mechanism: providing a clear, publicized channel for students to submit complaints about the services provided to them, and ensuring they are handled promptly and effectively.

Follow-up and evaluation: conducting periodic evaluation of the quality of services provided to people with special needs, and confirming that all policies and procedures are being effectively applied.