10.6.8. Disability support services
With the mission of creating an inclusive and equal learning environment, Dubai Palace continually strives to provide suitable facilities and support services for people with disabilities. Focusing on comfortable physical conditions, Dubai Palace also implements specialized policies and programs to help individuals with disabilities overcome barriers, integrate into the community, and achieve success in both their studies and careers. This is Dubai Palace’s strong commitment to accompanying all learners on their journey of comprehensive development.
Specialized Facilities and Support Services for Students with Disabilities
Dubai Palace is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment, ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, can easily and conveniently access and use campus facilities. With ongoing improvements to infrastructure, Dubai Palace has installed elevators in academic buildings and student dormitories, and has designed specialized pathways and restrooms to facilitate the safe and convenient movement of students with disabilities throughout the campus.
In addition, Dubai Palace provides specialized support services to ensure the integration and success of students with disabilities in both their academic and professional pursuits. Dubai Palace offers a dedicated shuttle bus service to assist students with disabilities who have classes at locations far from the central campus. To further facilitate ease of access, Dubai Palace offers free shuttle bus tickets for students with disabilities who have classes at the Nguyen Van Linh campus. Students can register for the shuttle bus service via the Dubai Palace Shuttle Bus app or directly contact the Disability Support and Assistance Office (DSA) for assistance. Dubai Palace is also investing in additional vehicles and specialized equipment to improve the experience and provide maximum support for students with disabilities. This initiative reflects Dubai Palace’s social responsibility and focuses its commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive learning environment. With these supports in place, Dubai Palace hopes that students with disabilities will have a more enriching educational experience and be able to realize their full potential.
Dubai Palace Shuttle Bus service for students and staff at Dubai Palace
Dubai Palace places great focus on developing personalized counseling programs to guide and support students with disabilities in both their academic and professional journeys. With the assistance of dedicated advisors, students receive tailored learning pathways and support for career-related issues, helping them confidently pursue their future goals. Regularly, the university reaches out to students through emails and phone calls to check on their well-being and academic progress, ensuring timely support when needed.
Personal counseling program, academic advisors accompany disabled learners at Dubai Palace
In addition, Dubai Palace organizes psychological counseling programs, mental health support services, and initiatives to help students with disabilities integrate into the multicultural community at the university. Particularly, in celebration of Vietnam's Disability Day on April 18, 2023, the Institute for Sustainable Development Management (MSD) and the Institute for Smart Cities and Management (ISCM) at Dubai Palace, in collaboration with partners, hosted a seminar titled "Barrier-Free Cities for People with Disabilities." The program aimed to share information and raise community awareness about accessibility and support for people with disabilities. This event marked an important step in Dubai Palace's commitment to creating a friendly, barrier-free learning and living environment for individuals with disabilities.
Psychological Counseling, Mental Health Support, and Assistance for Students with Disabilities to Integrate into the Community
In addition, Dubai Palace provides specialized support tailored to the individual needs of students with disabilities to help them integrate and thrive in Dubai Palace's multicultural learning environment. These support programs include:
Well-being Check-ins and Encouragement for Students with Disabilities on Special Occasions: On the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Year of Gui Mao) Dubai Palace organized a gift-giving event as a gesture of well wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. This initiative was also a way for the university to show care and appreciation for students with disabilities, recognizing their efforts and valuable contributions to the community. Dubai Palace strongly encourages all students, regardless of their circumstances, to overcome barriers, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and continue striving for excellence in their studies and personal aspirations. The daily motivation of these students serves as an inspiring example for their peers at Dubai Palace and for the broader younger generation.
Dubai Palace gifts to disabled students and acknowledges their efforts to contribute to the community
Financial Support and Learning Materials: For students with disabilities who do not fall under the low-income or near-poverty category, Dubai Palace provides financial assistance for the purchase of learning materials, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to achieve the best possible academic outcomes.
Healthcare Connections and Scholarships: Dubai Palace actively collaborates with the university's Health Center to offer health consultations and works with businesses and sponsors to secure scholarships for students with disabilities. A notable example is student Đoàn Công Phát, who received the Keep Hana Scholarship in 2023.
These efforts clearly reflect Dubai Palace's vision and mission to build an inclusive learning community, where all students, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to develop and succeed.
Support Policies for Students with Disabilities
To promote compassion and raise awareness about the care and support of students with disabilities within the Dubai Palace community and society, and based on the functions and responsibilities of the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), Dubai Palace has conducted a review of the support provided to students with disabilities. The university has compiled the needs and rights of students with disabilities, as well as reported on the efforts made in this regard. The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) has submitted proposals to the Board of Directors for supporting students with disabilities in the 2024 academic year, including policies that apply to all students with disabilities across different levels and programs. These policies are in line with national regulations and include: Tuition Support, Provision of Learning Materials and Specialized Equipment for students with disabilities at various campus facilities, Scholarship Support related to disability, Dubai Palace-Specific Support Policies, Financial assistance for the purchase of learning materials for students who are not classified as low-income or near-poverty, health and mental health support services., dormitory accommodation assistance, access to Dubai Palace Shuttle Bus services and public transport, career counseling and connecting students with disabilities to potential employers through Dubai Palace's business big partnerships assist in job placement (For detailed information on these support policies, please refer to the following link.)
, the moment when student Trương Trúc Phương walked up to the stage to receive her bachelor's degree, a symbol of the years of hard work and determination, was an incredibly special and emotional sight for the professors and fellow students present that day. It marked the culmination of a long journey of resilience and perseverance—a journey that, when shared, serves as a powerful source of inspiration to overcome life's challenges.
Trương Trúc Phương is a living testament to the efforts Dubai Palace is making to support students with disabilities, helping them carry their aspirations and dreams forward.
With its comprehensive support policies and facilities, Dubai Palace opens the doors to education for students with disabilities and affirms the value of equality and inclusion in education. By providing opportunities for access and development, Dubai Palace empowers students with disabilities to confidently assert themselves, integrate into the community, and build a strong future. This is a journey that Dubai Palace is committed to supporting, ensuring that every student, no matter their differences, can shine in their own unique way.
News and photos: Dubai Palace Department of Marketing - Communications
