Tishk International University (TIU) – Access Scheme for Students with Disabilities
- Purpose
The TIU Access Scheme is established to ensure equitable access to higher education for students with disabilities by removing physical, academic, digital, and social barriers. The scheme promotes inclusion, participation, and equal opportunity in alignment with international standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
- Objectives
The Access Scheme aims to:
- Ensure non-discriminatory access to all university services and programs
- Provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities
- Promote inclusive learning and teaching practices
- Enhance accessibility of campus infrastructure and digital platforms
- Support student participation in academic and social life
- Establish clear procedures for identifying and responding to student needs
- Scope
This scheme applies to:
- All students with temporary or permanent disabilities
- All academic departments and administrative units
- Physical campus infrastructure
- Digital learning systems and university websites
- Extracurricular activities and student services
- Key Principles
The Access Scheme is based on the following principles:
- Equity and non-discrimination
- Reasonable accommodation
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Accessibility (physical, digital, and academic)
- Confidentiality and dignity
- Student-centered support
- Participation in decision-making
- Components of the Access Scheme
5.1 Academic Access
- Extended exam time where needed
- Alternative assessment methods (oral, project-based, etc.)
- Distraction-reduced exam environments
- Academic advising and learning support plans
5.2 Physical Accessibility
- Accessible classrooms, ramps, elevators, and automatic doors
- Accessible toilets and facilities across campus
- Reserved parking spaces for students with disabilities
- Safe mobility support within campus buildings
- Maintenance and availability of assistive mobility equipment support areas
5.3 Digital Accessibility
- University website and LMS compliance with WCAG standards
- Accessible learning materials (screen-reader friendly, captioned videos)
- Digital forms and services designed for accessibility
- Assistive technology support where required
5.4 Health and Wellbeing Support
- Accessible university health clinic services
- Staff trained in supporting students with physical and sensory disabilities
- Referral systems for specialized care when needed
5.5 Mental Health and Social Inclusion
- Counseling services trained in disability-related support
- Stress management and social inclusion programs
- Peer support and mentoring initiatives
5.6 Career Development Support
- Disability-inclusive career counseling services
- CV writing and interview preparation support
- Partnerships with inclusive and disability-friendly employers
5.7 Student Life and Engagement
- Inclusive participation in clubs, sports, and events
- Accessibility adjustments for university events
- Disability awareness campaigns and training programs
5.8 Governance and Decision-Making
- Appointment of a Student Disability Representative
- Inclusion of the representative in relevant university committees
- Student participation in policy development and review
5.9 Disability Support Office (DSO)
The DSO serves as the central coordinating body of the Access Scheme and is responsible for:
- Receiving and assessing accommodation requests
- Developing individualized accommodation plans
- Coordinating with faculties and departments
- Monitoring implementation of support measures
- Maintaining confidentiality of student records
- Collecting feedback and improving services
- Access Scheme Procedure
- Student registers with the Disability Support Office (DSO)
- Supporting documentation is reviewed (if required)
- Individual needs assessment is conducted
- An Individual Access Plan (IAP) is developed
- Relevant university units implement accommodations
- Continuous monitoring and adjustment are carried out
- Quality Assurance and Monitoring
The Access Scheme will be evaluated through:
- Student satisfaction surveys
- Annual accessibility audits
- Feedback from academic and administrative staff
- Periodic reports to university leadership
