Inclusion and Accessibility Policy for People with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties

AAUP is dedicated to fostering an accessible and inclusive campus that eliminates barriers, promotes equity, and supports the full participation of individuals with disabilities. The university upholds the following principles and commitments:

1. Equal Access and Non-Discrimination:

   • AAUP guarantees equal access to education, employment, and services for all individuals with disabilities, ensuring that no person is excluded based on physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychological differences.

   • AAUP prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment against individuals with disabilities and promotes fair treatment in all academic and administrative processes.

2. Accessibility and Infrastructure:

   • All university buildings, facilities, and digital platforms shall be progressively adapted to meet international accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 and ADA guidelines.

   • Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and transportation systems shall be equipped to support persons with physical, visual, or hearing impairments.

3. Academic Support and Learning Accommodations:

   • AAUP provides reasonable accommodations to ensure academic equity, including alternative assessments, extra exam time, assistive technologies, and accessible learning materials (Braille, large-print, audio, or digital formats).

   • Students with learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders) shall receive tailored academic support and flexible instructional approaches.

   • Faculty members shall be provided with training and are encouraged to adopt inclusive teaching strategies that meet diverse learning needs.

4. Assistive Technologies and Digital Accessibility:

   • AAUP ensures the provision of assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech-to-text tools, and captioning systems to support students and staff with disabilities.

   • University digital platforms (e.g., websites, e-learning systems) must comply with global accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1.

5. Employment and Workplace Inclusion:

   • AAUP promotes inclusive recruitment and employment practices to ensure equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

   • Reasonable workplace accommodations will be made for employees, including flexible schedules, ergonomic adjustments, and adaptive tools.

6. Positive Attitudes and Inclusive Culture (Affirmative Inclusion):

   • AAUP encourages positive attitudes and proactive inclusion across the university community.

   • Awareness campaigns, training, and workshops shall be held regularly to build empathy, understanding, and respect for individuals with disabilities.

   • The university promotes “positive discrimination” by giving fair preference to qualified individuals with disabilities in opportunities such as scholarships, internships, or committee representation.

   • Peer mentoring and student clubs are encouraged to support inclusion and celebrate diversity.

   • Faculty, staff, or students who demonstrate exceptional contributions to disability inclusion shall be recognized and rewarded.

7. Confidentiality and Dignity:

   • All information related to a person’s disability is confidential and shall be disclosed only to those directly responsible for implementing accommodations.

   • Persons with disabilities shall be treated with dignity, respect, and full participation in all university activities.

To ensure the effective implementation of this policy, AAUP will:

1. Designate specific offices, including the Deanship of Student Affairs, Quality Promotion Department, and Human Resources Department, to oversee the implementation, communication, and monitoring of this policy.
    

2. Establish a Disability Support Unit under the Deanship of Student Affairs to coordinate accommodations, provide assistive resources, and liaise with relevant departments.
    

3. Develop and implement awareness and training programs for faculty, staff, and students on disability inclusion and accessibility practices.
    

4. Conduct regular reviews and accessibility audits of university facilities, programs, and systems.
    

5. Engage individuals with disabilities in consultation processes to ensure their voices are represented in university planning and decision-making.

The following measures (indicators) can be used to assess the effectiveness and utilization of this policy:

1. Accessibility Index: Percentage of university facilities and digital platforms that meet accessibility standards.
    

2. Accommodation Implementation: Number of students and staff receiving academic or workplace accommodations.
    

3. Awareness and Training: Number of awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions conducted on disability inclusion.
    

4. User Satisfaction: Level of satisfaction among students and staff with disabilities regarding access, inclusion, and support.
    

5. Community Engagement: Number of partnerships and outreach initiatives promoting inclusion within and beyond the university.