ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance
Disability Policy
AASTMT Policy on Disability Support and Inclusive Services
Including Accessibility Center Services, Equipment & Support Schemes
Introduction
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all students, including individuals with disabilities. This policy outlines the support structures, services, and strategies in place to ensure full and fair access to academic, residential, and social life for people with disabilities at AASTMT.
1. Disability Support Office
AASTMT operates a dedicated Accessibility Center (AC) under the Deanery of Student Affairs, functioning as the primary hub for disability services. The AC provides:
- Academic advising and accessibility planning
- Psychological and medical support referrals
- Assistive technology training and usage
- Faculty/staff awareness and inclusion workshops
- Mentorship and social support for SwD (Students with Disabilities)
Disability Advisors work closely with students to implement individual support plans tailored to their educational and personal needs.
2. Accessibility Center Services and Equipment at AASTMT
Facilities & Locations:
The AC operates across multiple campuses:
- Room 106 CS & CS Library – Abu Qir Campus (Alexandria)
- Room A209 & A317 – Miami Campus (Alexandria)
- Room 211 – Sheraton Campus (Cairo)
Opening Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 08:30 AM – 3:30 PM (academic term)
- Summer: 09:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Assistive Technology & Equipment:
For Visual Impairments:
- JAWS Pro (screen reader)
- Infovox4 speech synthesizers
- ZoomText magnifiers
- Braille printers (Everest-D & INDEXBRAILLE)
- BrailleSense U2 MINI note takers
- Large keyboards & Braille keyboard labels
For Hearing Impairments:
- Induction hearing loops (fixed & mobile)
- Real-time captioning/subtitling systems
For Mobility Disabilities:
- Alternative input devices (joysticks, accessible hardware)
The equipment is deployed across campuses. Staff are trained to guide students through installation and application in academic tasks.
Staffing:
- Dr. Aliaa Mounir – AC Coordinator (Abu Qir)
- Dr. Safaa Allam – Admin & Communications (Miami)
- Mrs. Eman Dawad – Accessibility Services (Abu Qir)
Student Feedback:
Feedback highlights strong support and satisfaction with resources and staffing.
3. Campus Accessibility
AASTMT campuses offer full physical accessibility:
- Ramps, elevators, and wide corridors
- Accessible restrooms and parking
- Assistive signage and building navigation
- GPS-tracked shuttle service for students with mobility challenges
Facilities are mapped and available online for public reference.
4. Access Schemes and Mentoring
AASTMT offers multiple support structures:
- One-on-one mentoring for students with disabilities
- Inclusive student counseling and mental health support
- Entrepreneurship initiatives for SwD (e.g., Goodwill Incubator)
- Sawiris Foundation scholarships for students with disabilities
- Participation in national inclusion programs and student workshops
5. On-Campus Accommodation
AASTMT provides accessible and inclusive residential options:
- Wheelchair-accessible rooms and elevators
- Proximity to services and learning facilities
- On-request support for housing and catering modifications
- Reserved spaces for students with physical and medical needs
6. Reasonable Adjustments & Funding
AASTMT’s formal Reasonable Accommodation Policy ensures:
- Modifications in course delivery and exam administration
- Access to assistive technologies, staff, and medical services
- Budget allocations for inclusive infrastructure and tools
- Partnerships with NGOs and government bodies for funding support
This is aligned with the Academy’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy and Anti-Discrimination Framework.
AASTMT has developed and institutionalized a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to ensure students with disabilities are supported, empowered, and included. The combination of accessible infrastructure, personalized support, technological solutions, inclusive policies, and targeted funding reflects the university’s enduring commitment to equity, excellence, and global sustainability goals.