NUTECH, British Council and Higher Education Commission Hands Together on Disability Inclusive Higher Education

NUTECH is committed to continuing its inclusive education in line with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) disability policy, ensuring that its educational practices are accessible to all. In this spirit, NUTECH along with the British Council and the Higher Education Commission hosted a pivotal dialogue on “Disability Inclusive Higher Education.”

The event was organized to raise awareness among higher education leaders, and University Vice Chancellors, faculty teachers and students about the importance of developing positive attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.

Rector NUTECH Lt Gen Moazzam Ejaz, HI (M) warmly welcomed the distinguished dignitaries. In his opening remarks, Rector NUTECH reiterated the importance of tangible steps that need to be taken at the Universities level to protect the emotional well-being of all types of disabled persons. On the occasion, Country Director of the British Council James Hampson highlighted the mission, and vision of the British Council. He talked of working on effective policies, processes, and strategies for disabled persons in Pakistan. Prof Dr. Jamil Ahmed Member ICT at HEC discussed the HEC strategies and steps taken to make these disabled persons become well-educated and productive members of society by providing them with standard facilities at the Universities. Moreover, Professor Carol Evans presented an overview of the disability inclusion, institutional framework and the role of higher education in promoting disability inclusion.

During the session, disabled persons from the audience highlighted their life experiences, successes, and challenges in their lives. Later, the panel discussion focused on the role of working groups and alliance partners in providing strategies and solutions for making the disabled persons part of society. The panel also discussed ways to improve the education system and bring a positive attitude toward the acceptability of disabled persons through different awareness programs at all levels of education including higher education in the society.

The panelists agreed on the necessity of developing training programs to enhance societal understanding and acceptance. It was highlighted that universities must collaborate with HEC to serve as a supportive network for disabled individuals.

NUTECH was successful in providing the platform and opportunities for stakeholders to come together to discuss the needs and rights of disabled people in society as well as in the University setups.

This session was quite impactful and helped the participants to empathize with persons with disability and develop understanding that such persons with disability are people with exceptional potentials and capabilities. This landmark event offers a unique platform for stakeholders to come together and forge actionable strategies to make higher education truly inclusive.