SQU forum drives push for inclusive higher education for deaf students

MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University, in cooperation with the Omani Association for Persons with Hearing Disabilities, organised a forum titled 'Towards an Inclusive University: Prospects for Admitting Students with Hearing Disabilities in Higher Education Institutions', under the auspices of HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation at SQU.

The event coincided with Arab Deaf Week, reflecting a growing national commitment to inclusive education and the principles of equity and equal opportunity in higher education.

The forum aimed to raise academic and societal awareness of the right of students with hearing disabilities to access higher education, while providing a platform for dialogue among policymakers, academics, specialists, civil society organisations and students. Discussions focused on admission policies, challenges, and global best practices in inclusive education.

It also highlighted the role of arts education as a tool for empowerment and inclusion, alongside presentations of success stories showcasing the abilities and potential of students with hearing disabilities in academic and social integration.

The programme included research papers, training workshops, and case studies targeting faculty members, administrators, specialists in special and arts education, parents and media representatives.

The meeting was held under the auspices of HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said.

Speakers emphasised the importance of institutional partnerships between universities and civil society organisations to develop inclusive admission policies, strengthen support services, and expand access to sign language interpretation, with the goal of creating a more accessible academic environment.

Dr Fakhriya bint Khalfan al Yahyaei, Professor at the College of Education and Director of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Admission Project at SQU, said empowering students with hearing disabilities in higher education is 'a fundamental right and a cornerstone for building a just society,' adding that inclusion is both a national and ethical responsibility.

She noted that SQU has already made progress through curriculum development, an academic sign language dictionary, staff training, and improved infrastructure.

Reem bint Said al Maamari, Director of the Omani Association for Persons with Hearing Disabilities, described the forum as a 'qualitative step' towards structured integration into higher education, stressing the need for interpreters, assistive technologies and sustained academic support.

A participant with a hearing disability, Mariya bint Hamad al Ameri, said the initiative marks an important step toward equality, noting that students are capable of succeeding across disciplines when given the right opportunities.

The forum featured three panel discussions focusing on university experiences in empowering deaf students, inspiring success stories, and the role of emerging technologies and sign language in education.