To foster inclusivity and the well-being of all members of the community, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has embarked on a comprehensive continuous engagement of staff and stakeholders to handle people with disabilities and special needs.
The initiative, is spearheaded by the Dean of Students Department and other stakeholders within the university, it underscores the importance of creating awareness, providing policy guidance, and imparting essential skills and knowledge in caring for persons with disabilities and special needs.
The recent workshop organized by the PWDs focal person, brought together participants from various sectors of the university, including the Human Resource Directorate, the Dean of Students’ office, the University Secretary’s office, the Planning Unit, the Estates and Works Department, the University Bursars Office, the University Security Office, as well as Faculty Deans and Administrators and members of the Disability and Special Needs Technical Committee. The emphasized the significance of such initiatives in addressing the critical areas such as departmental roles concerning persons with disabilities, improving facilities for accessibility, budgeting considerations, collaboration strategies, and academic resource allocation.
During the workshop, the Guild Minister of Disability Affairs, provided insights on the status quo of persons with disabilities within the university, highlighting the increasing numbers and the need for tailored support mechanisms. He stressed the importance of continuously examining the curriculum to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all students.
Mrs. Stella Dusabe, the PWDs focal person at MUST, underscored the importance of continuous sensitization efforts and warmly welcomed new students with disabilities. She outlined various facilitation measures and financial support mechanisms available to disabled students, emphasizing the need for robust support teams and streamlined processes.
Mr. Twesigye Patrick from the Human Resources Directorate delved into challenges related to limited accessibility and showcased how advanced technology could bridge gaps and enhance inclusivity. He proposed workshops and increased participation in university activities as practical avenues for fostering disability inclusion.
Counsel Timothy Mugumya underscored the imperative of integrating disability considerations into the university’s functions and outlined strategies for supporting disabled students effectively. The session concluded with an engaging question and answer segment, highlighting the collective commitment towards addressing disability and special needs issues comprehensively.
The continuous engagement of MUST staff and stakeholders on disability and special needs handling signifies a pivotal step towards building a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. Through collaborative efforts and ongoing initiatives, MUST reaffirms its commitment to championing diversity, equity, and accessibility for all members of its community. Watch full video on EYIT TV
