Introduction
The Deanship of Student Affairs, represented by the Vice Deanship for Student Services, seeks to create an educational and social environment for all beneficiaries, particularly students with disabilities, in order to develop and enhance their abilities, enabling them to achieve academic, cultural, and social advancement. This is achieved through providing educational opportunities for all individuals. Saudi Vision 2030 has emphasized this aspect through its objective of improving equity in access to education, as well as empowering the integration of persons with disabilities into the labor market
Vision
Excellence in enabling all students to pursue their university education with ease and accessibility by providing a supportive and integrated university environment that aligns with the capabilities and abilities of all students.
Mission
Ensuring that all students obtain an equitable educational environment and are empowered to fully benefit from the educational, social, and cultural opportunities offered at Jouf University, with easy access to services and housing facilities
Objectives
1- Promoting full participation and independence for all students, especially students with disabilities.
2- Enabling people with disabilities to take their appropriate place in society in accordance with international conventions.
3- Providing an environment that considers individual differences for all university students.
4- Providing the necessary support to acquire the academic skills needed for students with disabilities.
5- Academic, psychological, and social guidance.
6- Preparing guidance and training programs for students with disabilities
Duties of the Disability Unit
1- Coordinating with the university's departments, deanships, and colleges to serve students, especially those with disabilities, and welcoming new students at the beginning of each semester while informing them about Al-Jouf University's regulations for supporting people with disabilities.
2- Providing technological tools aimed at students with disabilities, and following up on the services provided and suggestions for their development.
3- Preparing all available human, material, and scientific resources to meet the needs of students at the university.
4- Working on communication between the Deanship of Student Affairs and other relevant deanships and departments regarding all students at the university, especially those with disabilities.
5- Conducting necessary meetings between students with disabilities and the Deanship of Student Affairs to introduce the services provided to them and understand their requirements.
6- Holding workshops to familiarize faculty members with the needs of students with disabilities and facilitate their academic and social requirements.
7- Opening a student follow-up file at the academic level to address any deficiencies that occur during their academic journey at the university
The care provided to students with disabilities is summarized in a set of procedures implemented by the university to academically empower students with disabilities, as follows:
First: Procedures Related to Buildings and Facilities
University buildings are generally suitable for students with disabilities and include appropriate corridors that facilitate movement.
Elevators are spacious and properly equipped for persons with disabilities.
Ramps suitable for persons with disabilities are available across the university.
Doors are adapted and suitable for use by persons with disabilities.
Restrooms are suitable and fully equipped for students with disabilities.
Classrooms are appropriate for students with disabilities.
Second: Procedures Related to Admission and Registration Services
Based on the decision of the University Affairs Council No. (45/19/5), which includes:
First: Approval of the results of the study on proposed arrangements to exempt persons with disabilities from aptitude and achievement tests.
Second: Assigning the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to design appropriate admission tests for accepting persons with disabilities into universities. The Deanship of Admission and Registration opens applications according to the admission schedule, provided that proof of exemption from the aptitude and achievement tests issued by the National Center for Assessment is attached, or that the applicant is visually impaired.
Third: Services for Students with Disabilities
Educational Services include:
Diversifying teaching methods while considering the nature of disabilities and ensuring that teaching aids used in classrooms meet students’ needs.
Conducting training courses for faculty members to raise awareness of how to teach and follow up with students with disabilities and meet their needs.
Allowing faculty members to seek assistance from aides, note-takers, or readers to support students inside classrooms.
Assisting students with course add/drop procedures.
Fourth: Allowances for Students with Disabilities
The Deanship of Admission and Registration supervises the disbursement of allowances for all male and female students. Students with disabilities receive a financial allowance based on the type and severity of the disability, in accordance with the approved financial regulations and procedures of the university.
The student submits a request for a disability allowance to the concerned college, which is then referred to the Deanship of Admission and Registration, provided that the following documents are available:
1-written and signed request from the student requesting the disability allowance.
2- student certificate from the university’s electronic portal confirming regular enrollment status.
3- copy of the student’s identification card.
4- recent medical report.
5- recent certificate from Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services.
Fifth: Services of the Beneficiary Support and Student Care Department
- Providing continuous, case-specific services for students with disabilities.
- Offering guidance and counseling to students with disabilities during their studies.
- Providing psychological counseling when needed.
- Providing special needs resources and specialized staff required by students with disabilities.
- Supplying assistive devices needed by students with disabilities at the university.
- Focusing on training and self-development for students with disabilities, helping them build social networks with their peers within the university, fostering independent behavior, and training them to rely on themselves.
- Preparing periodic reports on the role of psychological counseling services in helping students overcome psychological issues and creating a suitable environment to enhance academic achievement.
- Preparing periodic reports on services provided to students with disabilities and international students.
- Surveying the opinions of students with disabilities regarding the services provided, as they are the direct beneficiaries. Their participation in evaluating services across different areas and expressing their views on service quality contributes to improving and developing these services.