Disability Access and Inclusion Policy

Purpose:
An-Najah National University is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their disabilities. This policy outlines the university’s approach to providing reasonable adjustments and accommodations to ensure individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all academic, social, and employment activities. Through this policy, we aim to eliminate barriers, promote equal access to education, and ensure that individuals with disabilities are supported throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Scope:
This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of An-Najah National University, including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health, or other hidden disabilities and chronic conditions. It extends to all aspects of university life, including education, employment, events, and campus facilities.

1. Access and Reasonable Adjustments

An-Najah National University is dedicated to making reasonable adjustments and provisions that ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to education, work, and campus life. These adjustments will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific needs of each individual. Possible adjustments include:

• Academic Adjustments: The university will make modifications to assessments, coursework, and classroom activities to support students with disabilities. This may include extended exam times, alternative assessment methods, provision of note-takers, or the use of assistive technologies. In cases where specific courses or programs are not accessible, the university will make every effort to provide alternative solutions.

• Physical Accessibility: The university is committed to ensuring all buildings, classrooms, study spaces, dormitories, and common areas are accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. This includes the installation of ramps, lifts, accessible restrooms, designated parking, and clear signage to guide individuals to accessible areas. Continuous audits and updates will be conducted to ensure full compliance with accessibility standards.

• Assistive Technologies: The university will provide a range of assistive technologies to support students and staff. These may include screen readers, speech-to-text software, electronic note-taking devices, accessible learning materials (e.g., braille, large print, or audio formats), and adaptive equipment for physical accessibility. These resources will be available in libraries, classrooms, and computer labs.

• Workplace Adjustments: Faculty and staff with disabilities will receive accommodations to ensure they can perform their work effectively. This may involve adjustments to workstations, flexible hours, remote work options, and support in navigating the workplace. The university will work closely with employees to ensure that their specific needs are addressed.

2. Funding and Resource Allocation

An-Najah National University will allocate dedicated funding to ensure that the necessary resources and adjustments are available to support individuals with disabilities. This includes financial support for assistive technologies, physical accommodations, and academic adjustments. The university is committed to ensuring that no financial barriers hinder the implementation of these provisions.

Additionally, the university will allocate funds to support the Disability Support Office (DSO) in providing ongoing services and support, such as training, staff recruitment for support roles, and funding for specialized equipment and software. All financial allocations will be reviewed annually to ensure they meet the growing needs of the university community.

3. Inclusive Support Services

To facilitate the success of students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, An-Najah National University offers a variety of support services, including:

• Disability Support Office (DSO): The DSO is the central office responsible for coordinating and implementing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The office will assist students and staff in identifying and requesting reasonable adjustments and will provide ongoing support to ensure these adjustments are met effectively.

• Academic and Peer Mentoring: The university will provide academic mentoring, peer support programs, and guidance for students with disabilities. Mentors will be available to assist students with academic challenges, offer emotional support, and help them navigate university life.

• Counseling and Psychological Services: The university provides counseling and mental health services tailored to the needs of students and staff with disabilities. These services aim to improve overall well-being, address specific challenges related to disabilities, and provide guidance on managing stress and mental health concerns.

• Career Development and Employment Support: The university is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have access to career development resources. This includes workshops, internships, job placement assistance, and support in securing employment post-graduation. The university also offers workshops on professional skills, resume writing, and interview preparation.

• Community Integration: The university will offer programs and initiatives that promote the social inclusion of students and staff with disabilities. This includes organizing accessible events, awareness campaigns, and extracurricular activities that allow individuals to participate fully in campus life.

4. Training and Awareness

An-Najah National University recognizes that an inclusive environment requires the active involvement of all members of the university community. As such, the university will provide ongoing training and awareness programs for faculty, staff, and students. This training will cover topics such as:

• Understanding disabilities and common barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.

• Best practices for implementing reasonable adjustments and accommodations.

• Awareness of assistive technologies and resources available on campus.

• Promoting respectful language and interactions to foster a supportive, inclusive environment.

Additionally, disability awareness campaigns will be conducted throughout the year to promote understanding and reduce stigma.

5. Implementation and Monitoring

The Disability Support Office (DSO) will oversee the implementation and monitoring of this policy. The DSO will regularly assess the effectiveness of reasonable adjustments and support services, ensuring that all accommodations are being provided appropriately. The office will also collect feedback from students, faculty, and staff to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the university’s accessibility efforts remain up to date with current best practices.

6. Grievance and Appeals

If a student, faculty member, or staff member feels that reasonable adjustments have not been made, or if they face discrimination or unequal treatment due to their disability, they are encouraged to follow the university’s grievance procedure. The university will investigate all complaints thoroughly and in a timely manner, taking necessary action to resolve any issues. Appeals can be made if individuals are dissatisfied with the resolution, and all complaints will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

7. Principles of Disability Access and Inclusion

The following principles will guide the university’s approach to disability access and inclusion:

• Equity: All individuals, regardless of their disabilities, are entitled to equal opportunities and support to ensure their full participation in university life.

• Inclusion: The university is committed to creating a community where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported in their academic and professional pursuits.

• Flexibility: Adjustments will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, and the university will be flexible in its approach to ensure the most effective support.

• Confidentiality: All information regarding disabilities, adjustments, and personal circumstances will be kept confidential, shared only with those who need to know to provide support.

• Accountability: The university is committed to continually improving its accessibility efforts through regular assessments, feedback, and updates to the policy and services provided.

• Collaboration: The university will work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure a supportive environment and to provide resources that meet the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity
An-Najah National University is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff—regardless of their disability—have the same opportunities for success. The university will continuously work to improve its policies and practices to provide an inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment that promotes equal access to education and professional growth.

Effective Date: May 7, 2017
Approved By: Jun 13, 2024