Ashesi University is a private, non-profit university that combines a rigorous multidisciplinary core with degree programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, and Engineering. The university’s mission is to propel an African renaissance by educating ethical, entrepreneurial leaders.
Disability inclusion has been integrated in the University’s mission and values from the very start:
“We started off as a University with disability in mind. Our entire campus is built in such a way that people with mobility issues can access every part.”
In the design of the buildings, and overall layout of the university campus, physical accessibility was planned and catered for, allowing easy and independent movement of both students and staff with physical impairments.
“Before coming to Ashesi, I kept telling myself that there was no way a place in the middle of nowhere would be accessible. However, when I arrived here, I was just amazed to see how the place has been designed to be 100% wheelchair-accessible and friendly to people with mobility aid.”
E-learning and the opportunities it presents for disability inclusion
Lectures are recorded (both audio and visual) and placed in an online resource that is available to students to reference at their own convenience.
This has not only enabled remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic but has leveled the playing field for students with various types of impairments at the university.
Any physical accessibility challenges on campus (though already minimal) are negated for students with physical impairments; and those with visual impairments are able to play back lectures at their own convenience.
This becoming a standard practice has the potential to create more opportunities for the inclusion of both current and future students with disabilities.
Have more experiences, or good practices to share? Let us know!
