Sectoral Policies and Initiatives in Higher Education

The Government and some universities have taken steps to facilitate the access of students with disabilities to higher education. Law No. 31 obliges universities to admit students with disabilities who pass the general secondary studies examination to public universities and in accordance with certain conditions.  

Moreover, the Higher Education Council resolution 10/1/2039 of 2 October 2007 addresses the increased access to higher education for students with disabilities by calling on universities to provide appropriate environmental facilities for them.  In cases where a disability is diagnosed to be above 40 per cent, the resolution exempts undergraduate students from 90 per cent of the tuition fees, and graduate and postgraduate students from 50 per cent of the tuition fees. The mainstreaming of students with disabilities in the university system is also emphasized by the Executive Programme 2007-2009 for the National Agenda (2006-2015).

In parallel, two universities, namely, the University of Jordan and the Hashemite University, have taken the initiative to form centres for students with disabilities. Such centres assist students with physical disabilities by helping them to resolve matters of concern with their professors or registration officers.  Field visits to the University of Jordan show that, since 2003, measures have been taken to alter the physical environment and enhance physical accessibility.  Entrances to buildings and bathrooms have been altered and some elevators have been installed. 

Moreover, the University of Jordan and the Hashemite University have addressed the issue of discrimination. While there are no official anti-discrimination laws for students with disabilities, internal laws at these universities allow any student to file a student suit if he or she has been insulted by a member of staff or a fellow student.