Introduction

Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) at HKUST

At The Hone Kong University of Science and Technology, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Our SEN Support team, part of the Counseling and Wellness Center, offers a variety of services to ensure that students with SEN have equal opportunities to succeed in their academic and non-academic pursuits.

Offering Special Services provided by SEN Support

Our support services are designed to cater to the diverse needs of students with SEN:

• Academic Supports: Comprehensive academic support services and accommodations are available for students with SEN, aiming at enquiring an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

• Campus Life: Various inclusive workshops/activities and campus life support services available for students with SEN, for example, accessible on-campus housing, tactile guide paths, barrier-free access ramps, designated accessible lifts, wheelchair-accessible washroom. These measures collectively ensure that students with SEN can navigate and participate fully in campus life.

• Financial Assistance: There are different scholarships and bursary schemes for students with SEN, such as the HKSAR Government Scholarship - Endeavour Merit Award, the HKUST Alumni Endowment Fund Perseverance Scholarship, and the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Scholarships for Disabled Students. These opportunities are communicated to students via HKUST email, and applications can be made through the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office or directly to donors. The financial aids are designed to support the academic and personal development of students with SEN, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.

• Wellness and Advising: Wellness and advising services encompass general medical and dental care, personal counseling, developmental group programs, and career guidance. The university provides access to medical and dental clinics, personal counseling to support emotional and personal growth, and career services to help students explore career paths and job opportunities. Additionally, academic advising is available to assist students in planning their studies and career goals. These comprehensive services aim to support the overall well-being and academic success of SEN students

• Assistive Technology: This includes a range of adaptive, assistive, and rehabilitative tools and applications designed to help students fully engage in university life. These resources support students with physical and sensory impairments, language processing issues, and attention challenges. Examples include tablets with accessibility settings, speech recognition software, handheld video magnifiers, and specialized audio note-taking apps. These technologies aim to enhance the learning experience and ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.

• SEN Opportunities: Designated students can explore a range of SEN opportunities, including scholarships and job placements, tailored to support their unique educational and career aspirations.

Declaration Procedure

If student diagnosed with or suspecting any SEN, we strongly encourage student to self-identify. This can be done at any time during student’s studies at HKUST.

Students should fill out and submit the declaration via the SEN Online Accessibility Services System, and upload the supporting documents. Student should also provide the recent documentation (e.g. medical proofs) from the last three years to SEN Support for completing declaration with SEN Support.

Next Steps

Upon a student’s declaration of his/her SEN via the SEN Online Accessibility Services System, the followings will be initiated:

• Individual Meeting: An individual meeting with SEN Advisor will be scheduled to discuss student’s learning needs and the eligible support.

• Accommodation Plan: SEN Support will verify the documents and work with the student to create an accommodation plan (e.g. Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)).

• Notification of Plan: Professors will be officially notified of the accommodations the student is eligible for, if applicable.

• Ongoing Support: Student will meet with SEN Support each term to review the effectiveness of the accommodations and the available supports.