Qatar University's Inclusion and Special Needs Support Center reaffirms its commitment to the International Day of Persons with Special Needs.

Annually, the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Special Needs on 3 December, aiming to spotlight the necessity of proper care, understanding the obstacles and challenges they face, and the imperative of integrating this community into society while providing essential support to overcome obstacles.

In alignment with this global initiative, Qatar University (QU) underscores its unwavering dedication through the Inclusion and Special Needs Support Center. This center remains steadfast in providing robust academic support for this significant segment of society. Here, specialists from the Center share insights on raising awareness and the pivotal role the institution plays.

Beginning with the importance of integrating individuals with special needs into society and the role QU plays, Prof. Haya Al-Kuwari, Section Head of Accommodation and Community Outreach at QU, affirmed, “QU is distinguished by providing a comprehensive educational environment that encourages positive interaction and enhances its students' contribution to community building. The university acknowledges the significance of its pioneering role in fully and effectively integrating its students with diverse abilities, providing comprehensive support to students with special needs, aiming to empower and excel academically, and enhancing their social participation.”

Commenting on the role of the Inclusion and Special Needs Support Center at QU, Fatima Al-Kawari, Section Head of Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning Resources Department, said, “The center's vision is to be a model of excellence in comprehensive education. It aims to ensure the right of all students, including those with special needs, to benefit fully from university services.”

Al-Kuwari explained that the center focuses on supporting students with special needs academically and socially, providing appropriate and equitable services tailored to individual cases. She highlighted the center's efforts in promoting an accessible culture by adopting principles of universal design in the university's educational system, including technology integration in teaching and learning processes, and enhancing the capabilities of staff and faculty members.

Special needs specialists, Ms. Najoud Al-Magati and Ms. Amna Al-Abdulghani, highlighted the center's commitment to equitable opportunities and a supportive academic experience. They detail a range of services, from additional time for assignments and assistive technology for note-taking to alternative assessment methods tailored to each student's needs. “We strive to ensure equal opportunities and provide a supportive educational experience for our students with special needs throughout their university journey. Among the services offered by the center are academic support services during lectures, allowing additional time for assignments and research, using assistive technology for note-taking, exempting students from presentations and verbal participation, and using alternative assessment methods based on the type of disability. Concerning academic support services during exams, additional time, separate and quiet exam rooms, and employing a scribe for writing, reading, and explaining exam questions are provided. Other services include additional and diverse support without any discrimination.” They said.

For their part, Shouq Al-Shahrani and Rim Baroudi, special needs senior specialists, emphasize the center's efforts in organizing awareness campaigns, workshops, and collaborations with relevant ministries and institutions. These initiatives aim to enlighten faculty, staff, and students about disabilities and the appropriate protocols for interaction. These workshops introduce the center's services and how to benefit from them throughout the university year. They shed light on various disabilities and the appropriate protocol for interacting with individuals with special needs.

They also emphasized close collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions in the country, exchanging experiences and best practices with higher education institutions in Qatar and the region to raise awareness about issues related to persons with disabilities.

Regarding comprehensive learning design services, Rehab Dorgham, an assistive technology specialist at the center, clarified that the center strives to provide advanced assistive technology services to make the educational environment more effective and inclusive. It offers innovative technological solutions and accessible educational resources tailored to the needs of students with special needs. Dorgham emphasized the center's commitment to ensuring physical accessibility, striving to provide equal educational opportunities, and embracing all members of the university community regardless of their abilities or disabilities.