Support Policy for Persons with Disabilities

Support Policy for Persons with Disabilities

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-5712 dated April 29, 2019, and the Concept for the Development of Inclusive Education in 2020-2025, Karshi State University identifies the creation of an equal, accessible, and high-quality educational environment for students with special educational needs as a priority task.

This policy is aimed at creating equal opportunities for students, staff, and visitors with disabilities and ensuring their full and effective participation in education, employment, and social life. It is based on the principles of inclusion, non-discrimination, individual approach, confidentiality, and sustainability, and it is implemented in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Scope and mandatory cases

The policy applies to students at all levels of education, academic and administrative staff, visitors, guests, and partner organizations. It covers educational processes, work activities, events, and infrastructure services and is mandatory in the following cases:

• lectures, seminars, and examinations;
• recruitment and employment activities;
• events and public activities;
• use of infrastructure and services.

Core principles

• equal rights and opportunities for every individual;
• strict prohibition of direct and indirect disability-based discrimination;
• separate assessment of individual needs and tailored support;
• confidential handling of disability-related information;
• continuous and systematic development of support services.

Support services

Academic support includes individual learning plans, learning materials in Braille, audio, and digital formats, extra time in examinations, separate conditions, and adapted assessment systems. Teachers receive regular training in inclusive pedagogy.

Accessibility improvements include ramps, elevators, wide access corridors, accessible restrooms, tactile pathways, and visual and audio signage. Technological support includes screen reader software, speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools, adaptation of online learning platforms to international accessibility standards, and expanded access to specialized equipment and digital library resources.

Psychological and social support services include professional counseling, stress management and adaptation programs, peer-support systems, and educational activities that help build an inclusive culture.

Inclusion Support Unit

The university has established an "Inclusion Support Unit" responsible for:

• identifying needs;
• organizing services;
• conducting monitoring;
• ensuring every faculty and department follows the policy;
• supporting teachers in applying inclusive approaches.

Monitoring and evaluation

Policy implementation is assessed through annual audits and reports, feedback from students and staff, KPI tracking, SDG indicators, and a continuous improvement plan.

Financing

The financing system follows a sustainable, multi-source approach. Primary funds are allocated from the university budget, while additional resources are attracted through government programs, international grants, private-sector partnerships, donor organizations, sponsorships, and joint social initiatives. This mechanism supports infrastructure adaptation, assistive technology procurement, specialist training, and the long-term sustainability of services.