10.6.9
Disability Access Policy
1. Purpose
This policy defines the University of Thessaly’s institutional commitment to ensuring equal access, participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of university life — academic, professional, social, and cultural. The University aims to remove barriers and promote universal accessibility in physical spaces, digital environments, teaching, and services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.
– Applicants and visitors to University facilities.
– All academic and administrative units.
– Construction, renovation, and digital infrastructure projects.
– Educational and outreach programs related to accessibility and inclusion.
3. Definitions
– Disability: A long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (UN CRPD, Article 1).
– Accessibility: The design and management of environments, products, and services to be usable by all people, regardless of ability.
– Reasonable Accommodation: Necessary adjustments that do not impose a disproportionate burden, made to ensure equal participation in academic and professional activities.
– Universal Design: The process of creating spaces, programs, and tools that can be used by everyone without the need for adaptation.
– Inclusive Education: An approach that removes obstacles to learning and participation for all students.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly is committed to the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and accessibility for students with disabilities. To uphold these principles, the University shall:
1. Promote academic, digital and physical access for students with disabilities in the University of Thessaly.
2. Provide reasonable accommodations in teaching, learning, and assessment.
3. Offer accademic and psychological support to students with disabilities.
4. Train faculty and administattive staff on disability awareness and inclusive pedagogy in relation to students with disabilities.
5. Include accessibility criteria in all infrastructure, procurement, and IT design processes.
6. Promote participation of persons with disabilities in university governance and policy consultation.
7. Establish partnerships with organizations of persons with disabilities (DPOs).
8. Monitor progress through measurable accessibility indicators.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The University coordinates implementation, advisory services, and awareness programs. It ensures physical accessibility and compliance in buildings and infrastructure. It ensures digital accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 standards). The Vice Rector of Academic & Student Affairs and Quality Assurance oversees policy enforcement and budgetary provisions. The Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) monitors and reports progress.
6. Support Services and Resources
The University shall maintain a comprehensive accessibility support system, including:
– Assistive technologies and accessible learning materials.
– Personal and academic support services.
– Priority registration, adapted assessment formats, and tutoring assistance.
– Accessible transportation and signage on campus.
– Collaboration with disability organizations and service providers.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
The University shall conduct periodic accessibility audits of physical and digital environments. Progress will be evaluated through feedback from students and staff with disabilities. An Annual Accessibility Report will be submitted to the Governing Council and published online.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier as required by law or institutional developments. Revisions shall be proposed by the relevant office and approved by the Governing Council.
9. References and Legal Framework
– UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Law 4074/2012
– Greek Law 4488/2017 (Articles 61–68)
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education
– EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act)
– UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 11)
10. Equal Access Plan
The published Equal Access Plan can be accessed here