AUC Launches AccessAUC Initiative To Foster Inclusivity and Accessibility on Campus
December 3, 2024, Cairo – Coinciding with the International Day of People with Disabilities, the American University in Cairo (AUC) announced the launch of AccessAUC, a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring an inclusive and accessible campus environment. This milestone underscores AUC’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive space where every member of its community can thrive. With a mission to ensure that every student, faculty and staff member can fully engage with campus resources, support services and opportunities, AUC is setting the standard for accessibility in the region. The initiative was unveiled during AUC’s celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held in collaboration with Helm and Dialogue in the Dark.
“This day is not just a moment to reflect—it is a call to action to recognize, amplify, and support the incredible potential of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” reminds us of the essential role persons with disabilities play in our communities when given the right access to opportunities,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal, addressing the audience. Dallal added that the AccessAUC Initiative represents the University’s responsibility as an educational institution of higher learning to do everything it can to create the spaces, practices and awareness to allow all members of the community to fully contribute. “While our work in this area is far from complete, we aspire to create models for learning, teaching and working environments where everyone belongs.”
Over the years, AUC has developed robust academic support systems tailored to the diverse needs of its students. The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) unit plays a pivotal role by coordinating academic accommodations, cutting-edge assistive technologies, and personalized counseling. Scholarships, such as the Ahmed and Rania Ismail Endowed Scholarship and the Attijariwafa Bank Public School Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, further enhance opportunities for students with disabilities.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, students with disabilities accounted for 6.7% of the student body, aligning with U.S. university benchmarks. AUC also promotes self-advocacy and awareness through specialized workshops and orientations for faculty and staff.
AUC’s New Cairo campus is designed with inclusivity in mind. Key features include wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible residences, and an inclusive sports complex. The University also introduced Egypt’s first sustainable tactile pathways to support visually impaired students in navigating the campus independently. State-of-the-art adaptive technology corners further enhance learning experiences for students with visual impairments.
This year, AUC launched the People with Disabilities Employee Mentorship and Development Program, a one-year initiative providing professional experience, skill-building, and career preparation. Participants receive technical training, resume support, and professional references, equipping them for success within AUC or beyond.
“We firmly believe that empowering persons with disabilities is not only the right thing to do; it is a pathway for stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable societies. Persons with disabilities bring unique talents, perspectives, and contributions that enrich our collective experience. When we remove barriers to access and create environments where everyone can thrive, we unlock opportunities for all members of the community,” noted Dallal.
The celebration included a panel discussion titled “Universities as Catalysts for Inclusion and Access”, featuring key speakers like Maha Helali, adviser to Egypt's Minister of Social Solidarity on Disability Affairs; Iman Karim, general supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disability; Amena Elsaie '11, co-founder and CEO, Helm; Ahmed Fathy, deputy chair of the Social Solidarity, Family and Persons with Disabilities Committee in the Egyptian Parliament and Jowairya Soliman, Excellence Scholarship recipient. The day also featured various activities promoting accessibility and a handicrafts bazaar showcasing work by persons with disabilities.
Through AccessAUC and related initiatives, the University continues to lead the charge for inclusivity, setting a precedent for educational institutions across the region.