Policy for Students with Special Needs

The policy for students with special needs at Alexander College is designed to ensure equality in education and provide necessary support for students to maximize their potential. The policy takes account of the Law on the Education and Training of Children with Special Needs (Laws 113(I)/1999 and 69(I)/2001), the UNESCO Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action, and the UN report from the International Commission on the Futures of Education (2021).

General Support

  1. Inclusion: Students with special needs participate in Institutional activities with the official program of studies and schedule of classes, except when modified due to individual disabilities. Special technology and individualized learning programs are provided as needed.
  2. Priority Housing: Students with special needs have priority for residence in assistance for accommodation.

Identification and Coordination

  1. Special Committee: A special purpose Committee is appointed to confirm or specify recommendations for support based on previous assessments or new examinations. The committee coordinates support and provides training to instructors and staff involved with the student.
  2. Procedure of Identification:
  • Students report their special needs on the application/registration form.
    • The Admissions Office refers the student to the Special Committee.
    • Students provide relevant documentation.
    • The Special Committee confirms the needs and coordinates support.

Types of Special Needs and Provisions

  1. Learning Disabilities: Support includes personalized teaching methods, reduced homework, and examination allowances such as extended time, oral exams, support by a family member, or computer use.
  2. Hearing Impairment: Support includes advanced hearing aids, sound-proof rooms, and exemption from theoretical courses not in the core curriculum.
  3. Visual Impairment: Support includes magnified texts, Braille translations, computer use, and extended examination time.

Examination Allowances

Students with special needs may receive accommodations such as:

  • Extended time limits.
  • Oral exams or dictation to a writer.
  • Use of computers or other assistive devices.
  • Tolerance for poor spelling or untidy presentation.

Committee Composition

The Special Committee includes:

  • Faculty or Special Teaching Personnel members from each Programme.
  • A representative from the Office of Student Affairs.
  • A Counsellor/Psychologist.

Procedures and Guidelines

  1. Students with official diagnoses from the Ministry of Education or Health receive all rights and privileges under the Special Education Public Law.
  2. Students with private diagnoses undergo validation or re-evaluation by the Special Committee.
  3. Students expressing concern about learning difficulties can approach the Special Needs Committee for assistance.

Monitoring and Reporting

Each student with special needs is assigned a member of the academic staff who together with the Student Affairs representative monitor progress and prepare a report at the end of each semester.

This policy ensures that students with special needs receive the necessary accommodations and support to thrive academically and socially at Alexander College