ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES POLICY
1.0 Definitions
1.1 The following words and expressions have the meanings hereby assigned to them:
1.1.1 Accessibility: The process of ensuring that Students with Disabilities can access, on an equal basis with others, the physical environment, information and communication technologies, educational programs, and other facilities and services.
1.1.2 Accessibility Services: Additional support required by persons with physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, or a unit within the Student Counselling and Accessibility Services Department that supports equitable access to education for students with Disabilities.
1.1.3 Admission: The process in which Applicants are evaluated for entry into a University Program.
1.1.4 Applicant: An individual that has submitted and completed an application to be admitted into a Program.
1.1.5 Course: A set of learning sessions in a particular subject, with a defined scope and duration, and specific Learning Outcomes.
1.1.6 Disability: A physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that prevents an individual from participating fully and effectively in society.
1.1.7 Letter of Accommodation: A formal document issued by Accessibility Services that outlines specific Reasonable Accommodations required for a Student with a Disability.
1.1.8 Program: A prescribed set of Courses leading to a qualification, including a Certificate, Diploma (2 years), Advanced Diploma (3 years), Bachelor, Post Graduate Diploma, Master, or Doctorate, according to the Qatar National Qualifications Framework.
1.1.9 Reasonable Accommodation: Necessary and appropriate modifications and adjustments, not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, to ensure that Students with Disabilities enjoy and exercise human rights and fundamental freedoms relevant to an educational setting equally with others.
1.1.10 Student: A person who is presently enrolled at the University in a Credit Course or who is designated by the University as a Student.
1.1.11 University: University of Doha for Science and Technology established by Emiri Resolution No. 13 of 2022.
1.2 Where a word or phrase is given a particular meaning, other parts of speech and grammatical forms of that word or phrase have corresponding meanings.
1.3 Where the context requires, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa.
2.0 Policy Purpose
2.1 The policy:
2.1.1 Establishes Accessibility standards for the Reasonable Accommodation of Students with Disabilities.
2.1.2 Promotes best practices in providing Reasonable Accommodations that enable Students with Disabilities to fully participate in University life.
2.1.3 Maintains the integrity of Course content and Course learning outcomes, ensuring fairness for all Students.
2.1.4 Outlines the University’s approach to providing Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities as part of the University’s commitment to Accessibility and equity.
3.0 Policy Scope
3.1 This policy applies to all eligible Applicants and Students with a Disability seeking University support to access Accessibility Services or Reasonable Accommodations to assist in ensuring equitable participation in a holistic learning experience.
3.2 The University may encourage Reasonable Accommodations, but is not responsible for third-party environments, off-campus placements, or external service providers, and cannot guarantee the provision or enforcement of Reasonable Accommodations in such contexts.
4.0 Policy Statements
4.1 General Principles
4.1.1 All Students have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to receive appropriate Reasonable Accommodations based on documented functional need, supported by relevant evidence.
4.1.2 The University fosters an inclusive learning environment that promotes independence and supports equitable participation for Students with Disabilities.
4.1.3 The University is committed to identifying and removing barriers to support full academic engagement, ensuring equitable access to curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities for Students with Disabilities.
4.1.4 The University supports Students with Disabilities in the development of self-advocacy skills and becoming independent learners.
4.1.5 Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities is a shared responsibility and a collaborative process between the University and its Students.
4.1.6 The University strives to ensure all academic and accreditation standards are maintained to preserve the integrity of its programs. Reasonable Accommodations must not modify or compromise the academic rigor, essential requirements, or professional standards of the academic Program.
4.1.7 The University reserves the right to deny an Accessibility Service or Reasonable Accommodation, where it constitutes an undue hardship, poses a demonstrable health or safety risk, or conflicts with academic integrity, whereby:
4.1.7.1 Reasonable Accommodations must be compatible with academic standards.
4.1.7.2 Reasonable Accommodations do not result in excessive cost, excessive disruption or interference with normal operations of the University.
4.1.7.3 Reasonable Accommodations do not pose a threat to personal or public safety.
4.1.8 The University will progressively strive to ensure that all physical facilities, information systems, and communication platforms comply with accessibility standards and design principles as required under applicable legislations.
5.0 Statement of Confidentiality
5.1 Accessibility Services ensures the confidentiality of all Student records.
5.2 No personal or medical information shall be disclosed without the Student’s prior informed and voluntary consent, except where disclosure is legally required, or necessary for safety, or legal compliance.
5.3 Students have the right to review, correct, or withdraw consent for the sharing of their personal information.
6.0 Right to Appeal
6.1 Students have the right to appeal decisions related to Reasonable Accommodation or Accessibility within a specified period, following an internal grievance process established by the Vice President, Student Affairs.
6.2 Accessibility Services will maintain records of all requests, decisions, and appeals to ensure transparency, compliance, and reporting when required.
7.0 Procedure
7.1 The Vice President, Student Affairs will ensure that procedures are developed and implemented in accordance with this policy.
8.0 Related Documents
8.1 PL-ST-07: Admissions Policy.
8.2 PR-ST-07: Admissions Procedure.
8.3 PR-ST-24: Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Procedure.