Inclusive Access Services
An-Najah National University provides targeted support services for students, staff and visitors with disabilities through its Disability Support Office (DSO). The Office coordinates academic, communication, technological and personal support to remove barriers and ensure equal access to education, employment and campus life. Around 450 students and 48 employees with disabilities currently benefit from these services.
The DSO supports people with a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, mobility difficulties, speech and language disorders, temporary injuries and certain medical conditions. Each person’s needs are assessed individually, and support is arranged in cooperation with faculties, departments and University units.
Communication support
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Sign language interpreters for students and staff who are deaf or hard of hearing, with oral interpretation, tactile interpretation and real-time captioning provided where available.
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Training in sign language and Braille for faculty, staff and students, so that the wider University community can communicate with and support people with disabilities.
Personal and academic assistance
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Readers, scribes and note-takers who take notes in lectures and read questions or write answers on behalf of students during examinations.
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Mobility assistance for students with visual impairments, helping them travel to campus and move between University buildings.
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Academic mentoring and guidance to help students plan their studies and succeed academically.
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Extra tuition arranged with faculty deans and heads of department, so that students can complete their study plans on time.
Examination accommodations
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Extended examination time.
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Quiet or separate examination rooms.
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Alternative examination formats, including large print and Braille.
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Readers, scribes and assistive technologies during examinations.
Services for students with visual impairments
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Braille books and study materials, produced by trained staff.
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Registration guides and instructions in Braille.
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Free Braille printing for students with visual impairments from An-Najah and other institutions.
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A specialised Computer Lab for the Blind with screen-reader and magnification software and Braille displays.
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Laptops with specialised software, including the “Nattiq” screen reader.
Assistive devices and accessible information
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Assistive devices for students with mobility, hearing, voice, speech or language impairments.
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Accessible learning materials in large print, digital text or Braille.
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Free internet access and accessible digital communication on campus.
Financial and practical support
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Scholarships and financial assistance, including a dedicated Fund for Students with Disabilities.
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Support with admission and registration procedures.
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Priority support and financial assistance in securing accessible accommodation close to campus.
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Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Support for staff with disabilities
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Recruitment of qualified people with disabilities.
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Reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
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Assistive devices for employees and, where needed, for members of their families.
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Advice on health insurance, customs exemptions for vehicles and income tax exemptions.
Inclusion in University life
The DSO helps students and staff with disabilities take part fully in University life, including social, cultural and artistic activities, music and theatre groups, sports, student elections, exchange programmes and training opportunities.
Community engagement and collaboration
The DSO works closely with the Palestinian General Union of Persons with Disabilities, the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, other universities and community organisations on education, rights and development. It:
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Runs training courses and workshops on the rights of persons with disabilities and related international legislation.
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Supports families and individuals with advice and information, and connects them with medical, legal, social and psychological support.
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Has established community support groups, such as the Friends of Autistic Children Group in Nablus Governorate.
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Works with local institutions to create employment opportunities for graduates with disabilities.
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Provides consultation to researchers and postgraduate students working on disability-related topics.
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Holds regular meetings with parents and secondary school students to introduce the University’s services and the Scholarship Fund for Students with Disabilities.
Related policies
Related news
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An-Najah discusses cooperation with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
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“Because We Are Here: Hear From Us, Not About Us” – student-led disability inclusion event
Contact us: Disability Support Office
- Facilities the admission and registration procedures of students with disabilities in its academic programs.
- Facilitating access to all of the university’s facilities, academic, administrative and health, stadiums, arenas and cafeterias ...etc.
- Facilitating access to information through offering free internet access and using automated email on Campus.
- Support students with a wide range of disabilities including, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mobility difficulties, temporary injuries, and certain medical conditions.
- Offering assistive devices for students with mobility, hearing, voice, speech, or language disorders.
- Offering extra lessons to finish study plans on time in coordination with faculty deans and heads of departments.
- Providing scholarships and financial facilities to students with disabilities.
- Integrating disability students and staff into the university environment and involve them in social, artistic, cultural, musical bands, theater performances, sport activities, elections, exchange programs and training programs.
- Provides housing accommodations for students and staff with disabilities.
- Offering designated parking spaces for disable people.
- Hiring qualified staff from people with disabilities.
- Providing comprehensive advice and information about health insurance, customs exemption for cars, and income tax exemption.
- Providing assistive devices in cases of need for employees or any members of their families.
- Offering special services for students with visual impairment:
- Offering training programs for teachers and students about sign language, guiding and Braille Transcribing System.
- Issuing instructional manuals about the registration process in Braille.
- Offering blind students Braille Books.
- Interpreters (sign language, oral, and tactile) and real-time captioning.
- Providing scribes, amanuensis or note-takers to take notes in lectures and dictate answers in exams.
- Hiring Braille proofing and production specialists.
- Reasonable accommodations in examinations.
- Offers free accommodation for visually impaired students and facilitates their mobility to university campus.
The Disability Support Office embraces an integrated approach in its collaboration with relevant institutions, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that significantly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Recognized as a key advisor to the Palestinian General Union of People with Disabilities, as well as to various universities and institutes, our unit actively engages in areas about human rights, education, and development. Through robust communication and collaboration with these entities, our primary objective is to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities both within and beyond the university.
We place special emphasis on fostering environmental compatibility for people with disabilities within the university. This involves collaboration with stakeholders in education, social development, and related fields to provide the necessary support and achieve effective integration. The unit conducts training courses and workshops aimed at raising awareness about human rights and international legislation concerning people with disabilities. Additionally, we offer support and guidance to individuals and families by disseminating essential information and advice.
In our collaboration with the local community, the unit endeavors to broaden its impact. We establish supportive groups such as the Friends of Autistic Children Group in Nablus Governorate, sharing expertise and successful experiences with other regions. Furthermore, we extend support to individual cases by connecting them with relevant medical and legal authorities and offering social and psychological assistance.
The unit is committed to advancing education for students with disabilities through workshops and meetings that promote awareness of their rights, providing support to parents and students. Collaborating with local community institutions, we work to create a conducive work environment and employment opportunities for university graduates with disabilities, fostering their integration into the labor market for increased independence and empowerment.
In support of scientific research and development, the unit provides consultation and support services to researchers, master's, and doctoral students, locally and internationally, to enhance research in disability-related fields.
To raise awareness and engage with the public, the unit conducts periodic meetings with parents and high school students to introduce them to the services and scholarships offered by the university, particularly the scholarship fund for students with disabilities.
Through these comprehensive efforts, the unit demonstrates its unwavering commitment to serving society, improving the quality of life for individuals with special needs, and showcasing its effective role in providing support and assistance across various domains.