Our Commitment to Supporting Students with SEN in University Life

Academic accommodations

We offer various academic accommodations to enhance the learning experience for students with special educational needs. This includes provisions such as accessible teaching venues, teaching materials available in multiple formats, permission for the use of technological aids during classes and exams, volunteer note-takers, and dedicated SEN stations equipped with assistive technology. Additionally, examination accommodations are in place to support students, including the use of assistive technologies, arrangements for less distracting exam environments, special seating options, varied assessment formats, extended testing times, enlarged question papers, and the availability of wheelchair-accessible testing facilities, etc.

Non-academic accommodations

Beyond academics, we also provide essential non-academic accommodations to ensure a fully inclusive campus environment. These include features such as accessible on-campus housing, wheelchair-friendly dining facilities with self-service options, designated parking spots and ramps for disabled individuals, accessible locker locations, and the on-campus Welcab service for assisting students with mobility disabilities in commuting. Moreover, support for emergency preparedness is offered through the creation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP), guidance on evacuation procedures, and assistance in reviewing and updating PEEPs regularly to ensure student safety in emergency situations. Additionally, specific opportunities such as scholarships and internships are tailored to students with special educational needs, promoting their holistic development and participation in university life.

HKUST ensures that on-campus housing is inclusive and accessible for all students, including those with special educational needs. Student halls feature a range of accessible facilities to accommodate wheelchair users. These facilities may include accessible flats with automatic doors, height-adjustable tables, nursing beds, and wheelchair-accessible toilets with railings and grab bars. Common areas and activity rooms are also designed to accommodate wheelchair users. These spaces are strategically planned to ensure that students with mobility disabilities can navigate and utilize the living areas comfortably and independently. By providing such accessible amenities within on-campus housing, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that enables all students to fully participate in university life and residential activities without barriers or limitations based on their physical abilities.