Accessibility & Disability Support

Our Commitment

Equal opportunities for students with disabilities

SZABIST Hyderabad is committed to ensuring that no one is denied access to higher education. In compliance with the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) Policy for Students with Disabilities, we strive to create an enabling environment for inclusive education.

Our Mission

Provide equal educational opportunities
Eliminate physical, organizational, and academic obstacles
Recognize the inherent dignity of persons with disabilities
Protect and promote the rights of all students

Download HEC Policy

View the complete HEC Policy for Students with Disabilities at Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan.

Download HEC Policy

Accessibility Committee

Dedicated support team for students with disabilities

Committee Structure

Our Accessibility Committee comprises five members appointed by the Vice Chancellor/Rector:

Director Student Affairs (Chair)
Two faculty members (one male and one female)
One student representative from the student body
One representative from psychological wellbeing/medical center
One staff member (Secretary)

Roles & Responsibilities

Determine accommodations needed for students with disabilities
Arrange and oversee provision of reasonable accommodations
Provide counseling services when needed
Advise faculty on policies and procedures

Improve access for admissions and examinations
Raise funds for disability facilities
Promote awareness on disability issues
Liaise with philanthropic organizations

Disability Coordinators

Your primary point of contact for disability support

Contact Information

Our Disability Coordinators are here to help you navigate the support services available at SZABIST Hyderabad.

Note: For specific contact details of our Disability Coordinators, please contact the Student Affairs Office or check the notice boards at the Vice Chancellor and Registrar offices.

General Contact:

(92-22) 2782442-3

info@hyd.szabist.edu.pk

How Coordinators Help

Liaison between Accessibility Committee and students
Guide prospective students on available facilities
Regular meetings with enrolled students with disabilities
Facilitate administrative requirements
Arrange psychiatric counseling when needed
Ensure access requirements are communicated to faculty
Advise on course selection each semester

Disabilities Covered

Comprehensive support for various disabilities

As per HEC policy, "disability" means any long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which may hinder a student's ability to effectively participate in normal day-to-day activities on an equal basis with others.

Physical Disabilities

Mobility and ambulatory impairments

Visual Impairments

Blindness and low vision

Hearing Impairments

Deafness and hearing loss

Learning Disabilities

Cognitive and intellectual impairments

Disability Certificate: Students must provide a disability certificate issued by the National/Provincial Council for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons, or a CNIC with disability logo, or proof of registration in NADRA's database as a 'special person'.

Reasonable Accommodations

Support services available to students with disabilities

Infrastructure

Ramps and special pathways
Wheelchair access
Dedicated washrooms
Accessible classrooms and laboratories
Appropriate signage

Assistive Technology

Screen readers and Braille displays
Assistive hearing devices
Special software and computers
Scanners and printers
Audio books and e-books

Academic Support

Lecture notes and recordings
Braille materials and large print versions
Scribes and readers
Additional time for assignments
Quiet study areas

Examination Accommodations

Extra time (25-100% depending on need)
Use of assistive technology
Separate invigilation
Oral examinations
Modified exam materials

Admission Support

Special provisions for students with disabilities

Disability Quota

At least 1 seat reserved for students with disabilities in all MS/MPhil and PhD programs

Age Relaxation

Up to 10 years age relaxation for admission to all educational programs

Fee Waivers

Complete fee waiver for needy students with disabilities (tuition and other charges)

Entrance Exam Accommodations

Students with disabilities can request special arrangements for entrance tests based on their needs:

Modified exam materials (Braille, large print)
Extra time for completion
Use of assistive technology
Separate testing area

Oral examinations
Use of scribe or reader
Supervised breaks
Alternative assessment methods

Grievance Mechanism

How to file complaints and seek resolution

Any grievances pertaining to disability services or complaints concerning discrimination, abuse, or mistreatment can be addressed through the following process:

1

Contact Disability Coordinators

Submit your grievance to the Disability Coordinators first

2

Accessibility Committee

If unresolved, approach the Accessibility Committee

3

Vice Chancellor/Rector

Final escalation to the office of Vice Chancellor/Rector

HEC Disability Officer: If your complaint is not adequately addressed by the university, you may contact the HEC Disability Officer regarding the lack of compliance with HEC policy provisions.

How to Request Accommodations

Step-by-step process for getting support

Declare your disability: Indicate your disability on the admission application form and provide a Disability Certificate
Contact Disability Coordinators: Reach out to discuss your specific needs and available accommodations
Assessment: The Accessibility Committee will assess your needs, possibly with professional evaluation
Implementation: Approved accommodations will be arranged and communicated to relevant faculty and staff
Ongoing support: Regular meetings with Disability Coordinators to ensure your needs are being met
Feedback: Suggest improvements in accessibility services as needed

Important: Students who acquire a disability during their studies will receive the same level of services and support. Every reasonable opportunity will be provided to complete studies successfully.