Students with Disabilities, Accessibility, and Accommodation 

Article 1 – Policy Statement

The University ensures equitable access to education for students with disabilities and health conditions through:

1. Inclusive learning environment.
2. Accessible academic services.
3. Individualized accommodation measures.
4. Respect for dignity and confidentiality.
5. Removal of structural barriers.
6. Institutional commitment to equity.

The University supports full participation of students with disabilities in academic, social, and professional activities.

Article 2 - Purpose

This policy establishes:

1. Institutional framework and Procedures for disability inclusion.
2. Procedures for identification of individual accommodation needs.
3. Standardized process for academic adjustments.
4. Accessible learning environment standards.
5. Protection of student rights and privacy.
6. Coordination between academic and administrative units.
7. Continuous improvement of accessibility services.

Article 3 – Scope

This policy applies to students requiring accommodation due to:

1. Physical disabilities
2. Sensory impairments.
3. Learning disabilities.
4. Neurodevelopmental conditions.
5. Mental health conditions.
6. Chronic medical conditions.
7. Temporary medical conditions.
8. Functional limitations affecting academic participation.

Policy applies to:

1. Academic programs.
2. Assessment methods.
3. Campus facilities.
4. Digital learning systems.
5. Student services.
6. Extracurricular activities.
7. Internships, field training, and projects.

Article 4 – Definitions

Terms used in this policy follow definitions in: 1.21 Institutional Definitions and Glossary. For purposes of this policy: 

Article 5 – Guiding Principles

1. Equity in access to educational opportunities.
2. No reduction of academic standards.
3. Respect for dignity and confidentiality.
4. Individualized accommodation decisions.
5. Evidence-based support planning.
6. Shared institutional responsibility.
7. Non-discrimination.
8. Non-retaliation.
9. Proactive accessibility improvement.

The University shall ensure that students with disabilities are not subject to direct or indirect discrimination in admission, registration, assessment, participation in academic programs, student

services, extracurricular activities, internships, research opportunities, or access to University facilities, in accordance with internationally recognized human rights principles relating to equality in education.

Article 6 – Categories of Disabilities and Special Needs

Students eligible for support may include:

1. Physical disabilities.
2. Visual impairments.
3. Hearing impairments.
4. Speech impairments.
5. Neurological conditions.
6. Learning disabilities.
7. Neurodiversity conditions.
8. Mental health conditions.
9. Chronic illnesses.
10. Temporary injuries.

Examples include:

1. Dyslexia.
2. ADHD.
3. Autism spectrum disorder.
4. Epilepsy.
5. Diabetes.
6. Depression.
7. Anxiety.
8. Mobility impairment.
9. Visual impairment.
10. Hearing impairment.

Examples of categories referenced in AUM documentation include:

1. Sensory impairment.
2. Physical conditions.
3. Developmental conditions.
4. Behavioral or emotional conditions.
5. Medical conditions affecting learning.

Additional clinical definitions are provided in reference material.

Article 7 – Institutional Responsibilities

The University shall ensure:

1. Accessible academic programs.
2. Reasonable accommodation measures.
3. Accessible physical environment.
4. Accessible digital systems.
5. Equitable participation opportunities.
6. Confidential handling of medical information.
7. Periodic evaluation of accessibility effectiveness.
8. Compliance with applicable local and international laws and regulations.

Article 8 – Identification and Registration Process

Students may request accommodation at any time during enrollment. Identification mechanisms include:

1. Admission application disclosure.
2. Registration forms.
3. Medical assessment forms.
4. Self-identification.
5. Faculty referral.

Students requesting accommodation shall submit:

1. Medical report from licensed professional.
2. Supporting documentation describing functional limitations.

Time for submission:

Students are encouraged to submit accommodation requests at the earliest possible stage, preferably:

• Upon admission or prior to the start of the semester, to ensure timely support.
• During course registration, to allow appropriate planning of academic adjustments.
• Immediately upon diagnosis or change in condition, if the need arises during the semester.
• Late submissions will be reviewed; however, the University may require a reasonable period to assess the request and implement accommodations.

Accommodation requests and supporting documentation shall be submitted to the Deanship of Student Affairs, which is responsible for reviewing, coordinating, and maintaining confidentiality of all related records.

General Health Assessment Form where applicable:

• Documentation shall:

1. Respect confidentiality.
2. Be stored securely.
3. Be accessible only to authorized personnel.

• Accommodation eligibility shall be determined through structured review.

Article 9 – Accommodation Planning Process

Accommodation plan shall be developed through collaborative process between:

1. Student.
2. Deanship of Student Affairs.
3. Medical Center (where applicable).
4. Academic unit.

Accommodation plan shall consider:

1. Functional limitations.
2. Learning requirements.
3. Assessment methods.
4. Program requirements.
5. Health and safety considerations.
6. Accommodation plan shall be documented.

• Accommodation plan shall be periodically reviewed.
• Accommodation plan shall not alter learning outcomes.

Article 10 – Types of Academic Accommodations

Examples of accommodations include:

1. Extended examination time.
2. Alternative examination environment.
3. Accessible learning materials.
4. Assistive technologies.
5. Note-taking support.
6. Alternative assessment format.
7. Modified classroom seating.
8. Flexible attendance arrangements.
9. Accessible digital materials.
10. Sign language interpretation (if applicable).
11. Large print materials.
12. Audio learning materials.
13. Rest breaks during examinations.
14. Support in practical training environment where appropriate.

Accommodation shall not:

1. Lower academic standards.
2. Alter program learning outcomes.
3. Compromise academic integrity.

Article 11 – Accessibility of Learning Environment

The University shall progressively ensure:

1. Accessible classrooms.
2. Accessible laboratories.
3. Accessible examination environments.
4. Accessible library services.
5. Accessible digital platforms.
6. Accessible learning management systems.
7. Accessible campus facilities.
8. Accessible communication formats.

Article 12 – Roles and Responsibilities

Deanship of Student Affairs:

1. Coordinate accommodation process.
2. Maintain confidential records.
3. Provide guidance to students.
4. Communicate accommodation requirements.

Medical Center:

1. Review medical documentation where required.
2. Provide health recommendations.
3. Support assessment of functional limitations.

Academic units:

1. Implement approved accommodations.
2. Ensure academic standards maintained.
3. Provide reasonable flexibility.

Faculty members:

1. Apply approved accommodations.
2. Provide accessible learning materials where feasible.
3. Coordinate with Student Affairs.

Registration Department:

1. Ensure academic records reflect approved accommodations where required.

President Assistant(s):

1. Support coordination across institutional units.
2. Monitor implementation consistency.
3. Support reporting to University President.

AQA:

1. Monitor effectiveness of policy implementation.
2. Evaluate institutional accessibility indicators.
3. Integrate accessibility indicators into institutional effectiveness reports.
4. Recommend improvement measures.

The University shall promote awareness of accessibility and disability inclusion through periodic guidance, orientation materials, or professional development activities for academic and administrative staff, proportionate to institutional capacity.

Article 13 – Confidentiality

1. Student medical information shall be confidential.
2. Information shared only on need-to-know basis.
3. Disclosure requires student consent unless legally required.
4. Records stored securely.
5. Access restricted to authorized personnel.

Article 14 – Non-Discrimination

1. No student shall be disadvantaged due to disability.
2. No student shall be denied participation in academic programs.
3. No student shall be denied participation in activities.
4. No retaliation permitted for requesting accommodation.

Violation shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Article 15 – Appeals and Complaints

• Students may appeal accommodation decisions.
• Appeals submitted to Deanship of Student Affairs.
• Appeals reviewed within defined timelines.
• Students may submit complaints through: AUM-PPM-STS-8.16 Student Grievances Policy.
• Complaint process shall ensure independence.
• Appeals decisions shall be documented.

Article 16 – Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Institution shall monitor:

1. Accommodation effectiveness.
2. Accessibility indicators.
3. Student satisfaction.
4. Compliance with policy.
5. AQA shall include accessibility indicators in institutional reports.
6. Periodic policy review shall be conducted.
7. Improvement measures shall be implemented.

Institutional monitoring may include anonymized statistical indicators relating to accessibility services utilization, barriers encountered, and effectiveness of accommodation measures, while maintaining strict confidentiality. 

Article 17 – Key Performance Indicators

• 100% accommodation requests evaluated.
• ≥ 90% accommodation plans implemented within defined timelines.
• Student satisfaction ≥ 85%.
• Zero substantiated discrimination cases.
• Annual accessibility review completed.
• Annual report submitted to Council of Deans.

Article 18 – Compliance

Policy aligned with:

• Jordan Law on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2017).
• Institutional governance framework.
• Equal opportunity principles.
• Referenced inclusion framework includes structured support services.