1. Introduction
Integral University is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive educational environment that accommodates the needs of differently abled students. This policy aims to ensure equal access to educational opportunities and services, promoting the academic, social, and personal development of students with disabilities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all differently abled students enrolled at Integral University, as well as faculty, staff, and administrative personnel involved in providing support and accommodations. It encompasses all academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities, both on-campus and online.
3. Objectives
- To ensure that differently abled students have equal access to educational programs and facilities.
- To provide reasonable accommodations that address the specific needs of differently abled students.
- To create an inclusive campus environment that promotes the dignity, independence, and full participation of differently abled students.
- To raise awareness and educate the University community about the needs and rights of differently abled students.
4. Definitions
- Differently Abled Students: Students who have physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or mental health impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.
- Reasonable Accommodations: Modifications or adjustments to courses, programs, services, or facilities that enable differently abled students to participate fully in the educational experience.
5. Identification and Disclosure
- Self-Identification: Differently abled students are encouraged to self-identify their needs to the University’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) or designated coordinator as early as possible, preferably during the admission process or at the beginning of the academic term.
- Documentation:s Students requesting accommodations must provide appropriate documentation of their disability from a qualified healthcare provider, outlining the nature of the disability and the recommended accommodations.
- Confidentiality: All information related to a student’s disability will be kept confidential and shared only with relevant University personnel on a need-to-know basis.
6. Accommodations and Support Services
6.1 Academic Accommodations
- Modified Assessment Methods: Provision of alternative assessment methods, such as extended time for exams, oral exams, or the use of assistive technology.
- Lecture and Study Materials: Providing lecture notes, study materials, and textbooks in accessible formats, such as Braille, large print, or digital formats.
- Classroom Modifications: Adjusting classroom settings, such as seating arrangements or the use of sign language interpreters, to accommodate specific needs.
- Tutoring and Academic Support: Offering specialized tutoring, note-taking services, and other academic support tailored to the needs of differently abled students.
6.2 Physical Accessibility
- Accessible Facilities: Ensuring that all campus facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, dormitories, and recreational areas, are physically accessible to differently abled students.
- Transportation: Providing accessible transportation options for differently abled students for on-campus and off-campus activities.
- Housing Accommodations: Offering accessible on-campus housing options that cater to the specific needs of differently abled students.
6.3 Technology and Assistive Devices
- Assistive Technology: Providing access to assistive technology such as screen readers, speech-to-text software, and other adaptive tools that support learning and communication.
- Technology Training: Offering training sessions for differently abled students on the effective use of assistive technology.
6.4 Emotional and Psychological Support
- Counselling Services: Providing access to counselling and mental health services to support the emotional and psychological well-being of differently abled students.
- Peer Support Programs: Establishing peer mentoring and support programs that connect differently abled students with their peers for social and academic support.
6.5 Career and Placement Support
- Career Counselling: Offering career counselling and guidance tailored to the needs of differently abled students to help them achieve their career goals.
- Internship and Job Placement: Collaborating with employers to provide internship and job placement opportunities that accommodate the specific needs of differently abled students.
7. Roles and Responsibilities
- Students:
- Actively engage with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to communicate their needs and participate in the accommodation process.
- Utilize the accommodations and support services provided to enhance their academic and personal success.
- Faculty:
- Work with the ODS to implement reasonable accommodations for differently abled students in their courses.
- Foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects and supports the diversity of all students.
- Administrative Staff:
- Ensure that all University services, programs, and facilities are accessible and accommodating to differently abled students.
- Collaborate with the ODS to address any barriers to accessibility and inclusivity on campus.
- Office of Disability Services (ODS):
- Serve as the primary point of contact for differently abled students seeking accommodations and support.
- Coordinate the provision of reasonable accommodations and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Provide training and resources to faculty and staff on best practices for supporting differently abled students.
8. Grievance and Appeal Procedures
- Filing a Grievance: Differently abled students who believe their accommodation needs have not been adequately addressed may file a grievance with the ODS.
- Review and Resolution: The ODS will review the grievance, meet with the student to discuss their concerns, and work to resolve the issue in a fair and timely manner.
- Appeal Process: If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, they may appeal the decision to the Dean of Student Affairs or another designated University official.
9. Training and Awareness
- Awareness Programs: Conduct regular awareness programs and workshops for students, faculty, and staff to promote understanding of the needs and rights of differently abled students.
- Disability Etiquette: Provide training on disability etiquette, sensitivity, and best practices for interacting with and supporting differently abled students.
10. Compliance and Legal Framework
Integral University is committed to complying with all relevant national and international laws and regulations concerning the rights of differently abled individuals, including but not limited to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.
11. Review and Amendments
This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Office of Disability Services in consultation with the University administration to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Amendments to this policy may be made based on feedback from the University community and changes in legal or regulatory requirements.