Accommodation and Inclusive Housing
An-Najah National University is strongly committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and supportive campus environment where students, and staff with disabilities have equitable access to educational, professional, and residential opportunities. Through the Disability Support Office (DSO), the university implements a comprehensive framework of reasonable accommodations and support services designed to remove barriers and promote full participation in academic and campus life.
The university offers a range of accommodation options, including both on-campus and off-campus housing, to meet the needs and preferences of its diverse university community. These accommodation services provide safe, convenient, and supportive living environments that enable students and staff to focus on their academic and professional responsibilities while remaining connected to campus facilities and services.
Where applicable, the university also provides housing accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that appropriate residential arrangements are available to support accessibility and participation in university life. These accommodations may include priority housing assignments, accessible living spaces, and residential locations that allow convenient access to campus facilities and services. In certain cases, housing arrangements are provided within close proximity to campus to support individuals with mobility or health-related needs.
Policy Framework
An-Najah National University maintains a reasonable accommodation policy that ensures necessary adjustments are provided to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. The policy supports the provision of academic accommodations, physical accessibility measures, housing adjustments, and technological support to ensure that students and staff can participate fully in university activities.
This institutional commitment reflects the university’s dedication to accessibility, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity, ensuring that all members of the university community can thrive regardless of disability.
Academic Accommodations
The university provides a wide range of academic accommodations designed to remove barriers related to coursework and learning environments. These accommodations may include:
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Flexible deadlines or assignment adjustments
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Conversion of course materials into accessible formats such as large print, digital text, or braille
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Provision of assistive technologies and specialized learning tools
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Access to tutoring, academic mentoring, and writing assistance
These services support students in achieving academic success while maintaining the integrity and standards of the university’s educational programs.
Testing Accommodations
To ensure a fair and inclusive assessment environment, An-Najah National University provides individualized testing accommodations based on disability-related needs. These accommodations may include:
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Extended examination time
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Quiet or reduced-distraction testing environments
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Alternative exam formats
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Assistive technologies such as text-to-speech software or large-print exams
These measures ensure that assessment conditions accurately reflect students’ knowledge and abilities.
Classroom Accommodations
The university also provides classroom adjustments to ensure that students with disabilities have full access to learning environments. These accommodations may include:
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Accessible seating arrangements
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Note-taking assistance
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Assistive technologies such as smart pens or laptops
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Adaptive classroom furniture
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Audio-visual support tools for enhanced accessibility
Additionally, university classrooms and learning spaces are designed to promote accessibility and participation for students with diverse needs.
Housing Accommodations
As part of its commitment to inclusive campus living, the university provides dedicated on-campus accessible housing units designed specifically for students with disabilities who require accessible residential arrangements. These accommodations may include:
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Accessible housing facilities
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Priority housing allocation
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Residential spaces located close to academic buildings and campus services
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Housing options designed to support individuals with mobility or health-related challenges
These arrangements help ensure that individuals with disabilities can live safely and comfortably while maintaining full access to campus resources.
Implementation Mechanism
The Disability Support Office works in close coordination with academic departments and administrative units to evaluate individual needs and implement appropriate accommodations. The office facilitates a wide range of services, including:
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Assistive technologies and specialized software
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Accessible learning materials in alternative formats (braille, large print, or digital formats)
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Sign language interpretation and note-taking services
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Accessible classrooms and campus facilities
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Academic and residential support services
Through this coordinated approach, the university ensures that accommodations are effectively delivered across all areas of campus life.
Funding and Institutional Support
An-Najah National University ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of its disability inclusion efforts through dedicated institutional funding mechanisms. The university allocates an estimated annual budget of approximately $150,000–$250,000 to support accessibility services, assistive technologies, infrastructure adaptations, and specialized support programs for individuals with disabilities.
This funding supports the continuous upgrading of accessible facilities, procurement of assistive technologies, and delivery of tailored academic and residential accommodations through the Disability Support Office (DSO).
In addition, the university operates a Disabled Students Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to students with disabilities. This fund supports an estimated 40–60 students annually, helping to reduce financial barriers and ensure equitable access to higher education.
Disabled Students Scholarship Fund
Through sustained financial investment, the university demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that accessibility services are continuously improved and aligned with international best practices.
Ongoing Support and Awareness
The Disability Support Office also provides training and awareness programs for faculty and staff to strengthen their understanding of disability inclusion and accessibility practices. These initiatives help ensure that the university maintains a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals with disabilities can fully participate and succeed.
Through these comprehensive measures, An-Najah National University demonstrates its commitment to inclusive education, accessible campus living, and equal opportunity for all members of the university community.