Sultan Qaboos University organised, in cooperation with the Omani Association for People with Hearing Disabilities, a forum titled “Towards an Inclusive University: Prospects for the Admission of Students with Hearing Impairments in Higher Education Institutions” at the Conference Hall. The event was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Dr. Muna bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation, coinciding with Arab Week for the Deaf, in a step that reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to advancing inclusive education and reinforcing the principles of equity and equal opportunities in higher education institutions.
The forum aims to raise societal and academic awareness of the right of students with hearing impairments to access higher education. It also provides a scientific and dialogue-driven platform bringing together decision-makers, academics, specialists, civil society institutions, and students themselves to discuss current university admission policies, challenges related to accessibility, and to review best practices in inclusive education at both local and international levels.
In her address, Professor Fakhriya bint Khalfan Al-Yahyaei, Director of the University’s Project for the Admission of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, emphasised that the transition towards an inclusive university is not a choice, but a national and ethical responsibility requiring integrated efforts across institutions.
She noted that SQU began early on to plan and prepare an inclusive educational environment capable of accommodating students with hearing impairments, alongside providing the necessary academic support tools. The University has worked on developing curricula tailored to their needs and has implemented a series of workshops and training packages to enhance the competencies of academic and administrative staff. In addition, facilities, lecture halls, and student accommodation have been adapted to ensure a suitable and safe learning environment.
At the academic level, she added, a specialised sign language dictionary for academic concepts has been completed and recorded to ensure the accurate delivery of disciplinary knowledge. A preparatory year plan has also been developed to strengthen Arabic language skills, including course descriptions, curriculum design, and review following alignment with Omani cultural contexts by the University’s dedicated team.
Five training programmes have been delivered, with twenty participants including academics, technicians, and administrative staff engaged in supporting students. In terms of infrastructural support, teaching workshops and laboratories have been fully equipped to ensure a practical learning environment suited to the needs of deaf students. Classrooms have been fitted with modern teaching aids, fire alarm systems compliant with safety standards have been installed, and dedicated accommodation for both male and female deaf students has been prepared.
The University has also launched a voluntary initiative to register staff and students interested in learning sign language, enabling them to support the integration of this group. More than 100 volunteers enrolled within a few days, highlighting strong community awareness of the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving genuine inclusion and facilitating students’ integration into university life. Work is also underway to finalise a memorandum of cooperation with the Omani Association for People with Hearing Disabilities to expand sign language learning opportunities for University members.
The forum further addresses the importance of art education as an effective pathway for empowerment and inclusive learning, alongside presenting field experiences and inspiring success stories of students with hearing impairments, reflecting their capabilities and potential for academic and social integration.
The programme includes scientific papers, training sessions, presentations of pioneering experiences, and success stories. It targets faculty members, administrative staff, students, specialists in special education and art education, as well as civil society organisations, parents, relevant entities, and the media.
This forum underscores the importance of institutional partnerships between universities and civil society organisations in developing admission policies, improving the quality of support services, and providing sign language interpreters, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and accommodating university environment for all.