﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><Search><pages Count="15"><page Index="1"><![CDATA[HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION


                                   Policy for Students with Disabilities at

                                 Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan



                                                 2021 (Amended)]]></page><page Index="2"><![CDATA[CONTENTS




             1. Purposes And Principles of The Policy ............................................................................................ 2
             2. Scope of The Policy .......................................................................................................................... 3

             3. The Accessibility Committee and Disability Coordinators .............................................................. 3

             4. Admissions-Related Matters ........................................................................................................... 6

             5. Process for Requesting Reasonable Accommodations ................................................................... 9

             6. Types of Accommodations ............................................................................................................ 11

             7. Grievances ....................................................................................................................................12

             8. Funds to Support Reasonable Accommodations .......................................................................... 13
             9. Responsibilities of the Higher Education Commission……………………………………………………………….13

             10. Reporting Requirement, Further Advice and Guidance…………………………………………………………..13








































           1 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="3"><![CDATA[POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN PAKISTAN



            1. PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

            1.1. The Higher Education Commission (“HEC”) is committed to the objective that no one should be
                 denied  access  to  higher  education  in  Pakistan,  which  includes  ensuring  that  people  with
                 disabilities have equal opportunities to access and attain higher education.

            1.2. This policy for students with disabilities at Higher Education Institutions (“HEIs”) aims to create
                 an enabling environment for inclusive education in colleges and universities and facilitate the
                 participation of students with disabilities in all academic and extra-curricular aspects of college
                 and university education.

            1.3.  The  policy  recognizes  that  disability  covers  a  wide  range  of  impairments  and  different
                 disabilities  can  have  varying  impacts  on  study,  work,  and  other  aspects  of  life,  warranting
                 special considerations by HEIs.

            1.4. This policy affirms that persons with disabilities are valuable members of society and the HEC
                 and all HEIs have an obligation to undertake all reasonable actions to enable persons with
                 disabilities to avail the opportunities for higher education available to other students. Through
                 this policy, the HEC endeavors to eliminate regulatory, physical, organizational, academic and
                 social obstacles at HEIs that might hamper the academic and career pursuits of persons with
                 disabilities  and  provide  people  with  disabilities  with  equal  educational  opportunities,
                 recognition of their inherent dignity, and protection of their rights.

            1.5.  This  policy  has  been  made  pursuant  to  the  powers  granted  to  the  HEC  under  the  Higher
                 Education Commission Ordinance, 2002, and is binding on all HEIs in the country, whether
                 operating in the public or private sectors, in accordance with the prescribed phased execution
                 plan.

            1.6.  This  policy  complements  relevant  national  and  provincial  legislation  for  persons  with
                 disabilities. HEIs are advised to strictly follow the provisions of applicable law and the comply
                 with the regulatory framework prescribed under the legislation and through this policy.


            1.7. Pakistan is a partner in the global movement for the socio-economic well-being of persons with
                 disabilities  having  signed  and  ratified  the  UN  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with
                 Disabilities and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda. This policy is also
                 intended to further advance the objectives of these international commitments. Sustainable
                 Development Goal 10, Reduce inequality within and among countries, includes empowerment
                 and  promotion  of  social,  economic  and  political  inclusion  of  all  irrespective  of  age,  sex,
                 disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
           2 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="4"><![CDATA[1.8. This policy sets forth the HEC’s minimum standards with respect to students with disabilities at
                 HEIs. It is mandated that no student shall be subjected to discrimination at any stage during
                 their academic or professional pursuits on the basis of any disability.
            1.9. This policy supersedes all previous HEC policies on matters covered under this policy, which
                 shall stand repealed from the date of notification of this policy.


            2. SCOPE OF THE POLICY

            2.1. This policy is applicable to all students with disabilities at HEIs, including enrolled students,
                 prospective students and students that acquire disabilities during their studies.

            2.2. For the purposes of this policy, the term “disability” shall mean any long-term physical, mental,
                 intellectual,  or  sensory  impairments  which  may  hinder  a  student’s  ability  to  effectively
                 participate in normal day-to-day activities on an equal basis with others; provided, that the
                 definition will also include any additional conditions covered under the applicable disability-
                 focused laws of the jurisdiction in which the HEI is located.

            2.3. The term “Disability Certificate” as used in this policy shall mean the disability certificate issued
                 for  persons  with  disabilities  from  the  National/Provincial  Council  for  the  Rehabilitation  of
                 Disabled Persons or a CNIC with a disability logo or proof of registration in NADRA’s database
                 as a ‘special person’.


            3. THE ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE AND DISABILITY COORDINATORS

            3.1. The Accessibility Committee: HEIs shall establish a standing Accessibility Committee comprising
                 of five (05) members to be appointed by the Vice Chancellor/Rector of the HEI, which shall
                 include:

                      a.  Director Student Affairs or senior university officer / faculty designated as Chair of
                           the accessibility committee.

                      b.  two members from the faculty (one male and one female, both female in case of all
                           women university)

                      c.  at least one member from the student body as detailed subsection 3.2 (e)

                      d.  one  representative  of  psychological  wellbeing  committee  /  university’s  medical
                           center / planning & development department

                      e.  one staff member deputed as secretary to the accessibility committee.
            3.     1(a)    General Provisions for work of the Accessibility Committee:

           3 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="5"><![CDATA[a.  in absence of the Chair, the senior most member shall act as Chair of the meeting.

                           b.  the Chair and the members shall hold office for the period of three years and
                               shall in no case be eligible for re-appointment for more than one similar term.

                           c.  the  Vice  Chancellor  shall  appoint  all  members  of  the  accessibility  committee
                               except the ex-officio members and the representative of the student body

                           d.  the disabled  students  shall  nominate their  representative  on the  accessibility
                               committee.

            3.2.    Roles and Responsibilities of the Accessibility Committee: The Accessibility Committee shall
                    be responsible for the following:

                      a.  determining what accommodations are needed for students with disabilities at the
                           HEI including, where necessary, arranging for disability assessment by a professional;

                      b.  arranging  and  overseeing  the  provision  of  reasonable  accommodations  in
                           accordance with this policy;

                      c.  arranging for counseling by a psychiatrist for students with disabilities if a student
                           requests or whenever substantial need is established;

                      d.  providing  information  and  advice  to  students  and  parents  on  the  facilities  and
                           support available at the HEI for persons with disabilities;

                      e.  advising  the  faculty  on  the  policies  and  procedures  relevant  to  students  with
                           disabilities and how best to include and accommodate these students;

                      f.   advising the HEI on ways to improve access for students with disabilities vis-à-vis
                           admissions, examinations, dissertations and other affairs of the institution and on
                           the implementation of all relevant disability-related legislation;

                      g.  raising  funds  for  the  provision  or  development  of  facilities  for  students  with
                           disabilities at the HEI whenever needed;

                      h.  promoting awareness on different disabilities and disability related issues and the
                           need to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities at the HEI through
                           dedicated  seminars,  fundraising  events,  discussions,  workshops  and  community
                           engagement activities and communicating the role of the Disability Coordinators to
                           students, staff and faculty; and


           4 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="6"><![CDATA[i.   liaising  with  philanthropic  organizations  working  for  persons  with  disabilities  to
                           enhance the capacities of their institutions to engage with persons with disabilities
                           and to improve the facilities available for them at the HEI.

            3.3.    Decisions  of  the  Accessibility  Committee:  The  quorum  requirement  for  meetings  of  the
                    Accessibility Committee shall be at least three members of the committee. Decisions shall
                    be made by a majority of the members present.

            3.4.    The Disability Coordinators: The Vice Chancellor/Rector of the HEI shall designate two (02)
                    non-student members of the Accessibility Committee to be the Disability Coordinators for
                    students with disabilities at the HEI, provided that in the case of coeducational or all-women
                    HEIs, at least one of the Disability Coordinators shall be a woman. The name and contact
                    details of the Disability Coordinators will be displayed on the website, prospectus,
                    brochures,  and  student  handbooks  of  the  HEI  and  outside  the  Offices  of  Vice
                    Chancellor/Rector and Registrar.

            3.5.    Roles and Responsibilities of the Disability Coordinators: The Disability Coordinators shall be
                    responsible for the following:

                      a.  to  be  a  point  of  liaison  between  the  Accessibility  Committee  and  students  with
                           disabilities  including  connecting  students  with  disabilities  to  the  Accessibility
                           Committee for determination of their accommodation requirements;

                      b.  guide  and  advise  students  with  disabilities  interested  in  seeking  admission  and
                           enrollment  at  the  HEI  on  the  facilities  and  accommodations  available  and
                           arrangeable at the HEI for persons with disabilities;

                      c.  have regular, periodic meetings with enrolled students with disabilities and maintain
                           records of these interactions. This practice should be used to assess any emerging
                           needs the  students  may  have  and to  decide the  appropriate  course of  action to
                           facilitate the student;

                      d.  advise and facilitate enrolled students with disabilities during their studies on how to
                           fulfill  the  administrative  requirements  of  the  institution  and  benefit  from  other
                           services provided at the HEI such as accommodations, library, career counselling,
                           extra-curricular opportunities etc.


                      e.  refer students with disabilities to the Accessibility Committee for arrangement  of
                           psychiatric counseling if a student requests or academic coaching whenever needed;




           5 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="7"><![CDATA[f.   ensure that the students’ access requirements are identified and made known to
                           relevant faculty well ahead of commencement of classes;

                      g.  advise  students  with  disabilities  before  the  commencement  of  each  semester  or
                           academic year on their course selection and learning activities entailed; and

                      h.  seek  and  record  information  on  access  requirements  of  individual  student  with
                           disability enrolled at the HEI.

            4. ADMISSIONS-RELATED MATTERS

            4.1.  Application  Process:  Before  applying  for  admission,  students  with  disabilities  should  be
                  encouraged to visit the HEI and the HEI’s website to assess the suitability of the premises and
                  its surroundings. The HEI shall ensure that applicants have full information about the support
                  available and can request additional accommodations as needed. The following are the details
                  of the process that must be followed with respect to HEI admissions:

                      a.  Admission  application  forms  will  include  a  section  where  students  can  convey
                           information  on  their  disability.  In  certain  circumstances,  such  as  to  avail  the
                           accommodations  under Section  4.2  of this  policy,  applicants  shall  be  required to
                           provide attested copies of a Disability Certificate (as defined in Section 2.3 of this
                           policy).  The  admission  application  form  shall  also  include  a  questionnaire  for
                           students with disabilities to explain their need for accommodations related to any
                           entrance exams. Moreover, the universities shall take steps to improve accessibility
                           of the admission forms / prospectus and all other additional details that might be
                           required or useful for students with disabilities in the manner that accommodate the
                           needs of the different disabilities.

                      b.  It is important to note that there shall not be any adverse impact on the application
                           of a prospective student based on his or her disclosure of a disability. The application
                           will  be  processed  in  the  same  manner  as  other  applications,  without  any
                           discrimination on the basis of the disclosed disability.

                      c.  Applicants will be made aware that if they disclose their disability, the information
                           provided on their application will, subject to applicable legislation, be retained on
                           the HEI’s confidential records and made available to relevant individuals involved in
                           the admissions process and the members of the Accessibility Committee, which will
                           provide  necessary  support  during  the  application,  interview,  and  entrance  test
                           process for students with disabilities.





           6 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="8"><![CDATA[d.  Applicants who have declared a disability on their application form will be consulted
                           about their needs and given advice on how the HEI will accommodate their needs.

                      e.  The HEI shall provide contact details for the Disability Coordinators and information
                           on facilities available for students with disabilities on their prospectus, website, and
                           advertisement for admission.

                      f.   In  case,  the  HEI  does  not  have  appropriate  facilities  to  provide  reasonable
                           accommodations  for  students  with  disabilities  to  study  at  their  institution  on
                           legitimate  grounds,  and  the  student  has  otherwise  been  deemed  eligible  to  be
                           admitted  to  the  university  in  terms  of  the  admission  criteria,  the  Accessibility
                           Committee shall report the matter to the Vice Chancellor/Rector of the institution
                           and the HEI shall make necessary arrangements to provide the opportunity for the
                           student to undertake the program of study at the HEI.

                      g.  Upon admission, students with disabilities will be offered an opportunity to provide
                           additional information and documentation about their accessibility needs.

            4.2. Entrance exam: Several HEIs require applicants to take an entrance exam. Any such exam must
                 conform to the following requirements:

                      a.  Students with disabilities must be able to request special arrangements for entrance
                           tests or interviews as per their needs, subject to the requirements of Section 4.1(a).

                      b.  The HEI will ensure the provision of reasonable accommodations for students with
                           disabilities depending on the type of their disability and need during their entrance
                           exam. For example, students with visual impairment may be provided modified exam
                           materials  such  as  Braille  papers  (Grade  1/un-contracted  or  Grade  2/contracted),
                           large print exams: either A4 size (18pt bold font) or A3 size (15.5pt font). Students
                           with  hearing  impairments  may  be  provided  special  materials  or  lip-reading  test.
                           Depending  on  the  type  of  disability,  including  learning  disabilities,  arrangements
                           such as the following may be made: extra time (25-100 per cent extra time depending
                           on  the  student’s  need),  supervised  breaks  during  the  examination,  use  of  a
                           computer, use of an amanuensis, use of a reader or a scribe, option for an oral exam,
                           separate  invigilation,  or  a  private  area  to  take  tests.  For  physical  disabilities,
                           appropriate accommodations shall be provided depending on the individual case,
                           including  providing  wheelchair  access  etc.  However,  the  Accessibility  Committee
                           shall ensure that the accommodation provided is reasonably related to the type of
                           disability,  so  that  while  providing  the  accommodation,  no  one  is  given  an  unfair
                           advantage.


           7 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="9"><![CDATA[c.  In  some  cases,  students  with  disabilities  may  be  exempted  from  a  part  of  an
                           examination  because  of  a  disability.  The  HEI  may  decide  to  use  an  alternate
                           assessment tool to ascertain suitability of the student for the degree program. This
                           will be decided by the Academic Council of the HEI.

                      d.  Students with disabilities must be informed well in advance about the arrangements
                           being provided for them to undertake the entrance exam.

                      e.  In case the entrance exam is administered by a third party, if the designated test
                           administrator does not provide appropriate facilities for students with disabilities to
                           suitably  take  the  test,  the  HEI  will  arrange  for  an  alternate  entrance  exam  for
                           students with disabilities.

            4.3. Financial aid, quotas, and age relaxation requirements: People with disabilities may qualify for
                 several benefits including those presented below:

                      a.  Students with disabilities may qualify for certain benefits under the provisions of the
                           applicable disability laws of the jurisdiction in which they are located. The HEI shall
                           ensure the provision of such benefits in accordance with relevant legislation. In the
                           absence of, or in addition to, any such benefits, the HEI shall adopt a needs-based
                           system  to  facilitate  students  with  disabilities  whose  financial  situation  may  not
                           otherwise  permit  them  to  afford  their  educational  and  any  additional  expenses
                           related  to  their  needs.  The  need  basis  of  students  with  disabilities  shall  be
                           determined in accordance with the criteria applicable in any government program
                           prescribed  for  needy  students.  Presently,  the  benchmark  laid  down  in  Ehsaas
                           Undergraduate  Scholarship  Program  may  be  used  as  standard.  For  all  needy
                           students, all institutional charges including tuition fee, hostel fee and utility charges
                           shall be waived, to the extent not covered from any other scholarship / support
                           program. The website and prospectus for the HEI will clearly mention any available
                           fee waivers and concessions.

                      b.  Students with disabilities may qualify for age relaxation in admission requirements
                           and  disability  quotas  under  applicable  legislation,  and  the  HEI  shall  ensure
                           compliance in accordance with relevant legislation. The HEI’s website and prospectus
                           will clearly mention any designated quota for persons with disabilities and any age
                           relaxation options.

                      c.  Reservation of at least one seat for higher qualification i.e. MS/MPhil and PhD for
                           students with disabilities in all public sector universities / institutions

                      d.  Age relaxation up to ten years for admission to all educational programs.

           8 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="10"><![CDATA[5. PROCESS FOR REQUESTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

            5.1.  The  HEIs  shall  provide  reasonable  accommodations  to  students  with  disabilities  whenever
                 necessary to encourage their participation in higher education including in classrooms, libraries,
                 laboratories,  cafeterias  and  sports  centers.  The  website  of  the  HEI  and  other  web-  based
                 services such as student portals, LMS etc. shall accordingly conform to level AA of the Web
                 Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

            5.2. It is important to note that the duty of HEIs to provide support and necessary accommodations
                 to  students  with  disabilities  is  an  anticipatory  duty.  In  other  words,  the  HEIs  should  have
                 preparedness to offer reasonable accommodations to students and should not wait to initiate
                 action until requested.

            5.3.  All  students  will  be  informed  about  options  to  request  reasonable  accommodations
                  commensurate with their need during the orientation session. Students with disabilities will
                  be  offered  an  assessment  of  their  study  and  support  needs  at  the  earliest  opportunity,
                  preferably  before  they  enroll,  or  shortly  after  the  commencement  of  their  program.  As
                  evidence of their disability for the purposes of this assessment, the Accessibility Committee
                  may rely on a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, documenting the
                  disability and the need for any accommodations.

            5.4. At the commencement of each course, staff* shall also clearly inform the students that any
                 student who, because of a disability, may require special accommodations in order to meet the
                 course requirements should contact the instructor or the Disability Coordinators as soon as
                 possible so that requisite arrangements can be made. Faculty are encouraged to use textbooks
                 that  are  available  in  alternate  format.  It  may  not  be  necessary  to  rewrite  a  course  to
                 accommodate students with disabilities; simply modifying the presentation of materials may
                 make it fully accessible.

            5.5. It is important to note that in making its assessment, the Accessibility Committee will strive to
                  understand and recommend reasonable accommodations specifically focusing on the needs
                  of the individual student rather than recommending generic accommodations that may apply
                  to a certain category a disability. Once an assessment has been conducted, the Accessibility
                  Committee shall forward its directions to the relevant implementing authority, provided that
                  in case of any accommodations that are directly related to examinations and assessments (i.e.
                  listed under Section 6.2), approval of the competent authority designated by the HEI shall be
                  required before implementation.





           9 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="11"><![CDATA[5.6. The views of the student with disabilities will be taken into consideration at all times during the
                  assessment of their needs. The assessment report, containing detailed recommendations, will
                  be shared with the student prior to its implementation.


            5.7. Alternatively, the class instructor, the Disability Coordinators and the student may mutually
                  discuss and decide on any special requirements needed (including those needed for mid- term
                  or final examinations) and accommodations at the start of the course and share them with the
                  Accessibility Committee if its support is needed.

            5.8. These accommodations may take considerable time, and students should be informed of their
                  course  requirements,  course  components  and  reading  materials  well  before  the
                  commencement of a course and on their accessibility requirements at the start of the course.

            5.9. The Accessibility Committee will monitor the implementation of any accommodations deemed
                  necessary and reasonable.

            5.10. The University will ensure the provision of the same level of services and support to students
                  who acquire any disability (or become aware of their disability) during the course of their
                  study.  Every  reasonable  opportunity  will  be  provided  to  them  to  complete  their  studies
                  successfully.

            5.11. Clause deleted**.

            5.12.  Faculty  and  staff  should  be  aware  of  the  use  of  accommodations  and  learning  aides  for
                   students with disabilities.

            5.13.  HEIs  shall  have training  programs  to train faculty, staff, and  members  of the  accessibility
                   committee  on  best  practices  for  accommodating  students  with  disabilities  and  especially
                   encourage its staff, faculty, and students to participate in development opportunities related
                   to the provision of education to persons with disabilities.

            5.14. Students with disabilities shall be encouraged to suggest improvements in accessibility and
                   accommodation services available at the HEI. If one student with a particular type of disability
                   had difficulty with a specific task, the faculty, the Accessibility Committee, and the Disability
                   Coordinators may not assume that the next student with the same type of disability will
                   experience similar problems. Students with disabilities are frequently sensitive about their
                   disabilities, so faculty, the Disability Coordinators and staff should make every effort to treat
                   these issues sensitively and confidentially.




           10 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="12"><![CDATA[6. TYPES OF ACCOMMODATIONS

            6.1.  Reasonable  accommodations.  In  determining  the  accommodations  to  be  provided,  the
                  Accessibility Committee  shall make  sure that these  are  reasonably tied  to the  nature  and
                  extent of the disability suffered. It is important to remember that accommodations are not
                  advantages, but are a means of providing each student with full access to study programs.
                  Depending on the case, accommodations may include:

                      a.  medical and mental health assistance such as access to counselling;

                      b.  changes  to  physical  infrastructure  of  HEIs  including  addition  of  footpaths,  road
                         crossings, signage etc., provision of ramps or special pathways, wheel chairs, furniture,
                         boards,  dedicated  washrooms  and  other  basic  facilities  retrofitting  in  the  existing
                         buildings and to ensure the same in future construction;

                      c.  Provision of free transport service within the campus for students with disabilities in
                         particular;

                      d.  human, digital and assistive technology support including (but not limited to) readings,
                         lecture  tape  recordings,  audiotaped  or  Brailled  handouts,  laptops  or  high-tech
                         computers capable of running heavy screen reading, optical character readers, Braille
                         displays, and other special software, Braille embossers, books, and magazines, Braille
                         lab  signs  and  equipment  for  students  with  visual  impairments,  lecture  notes,
                         headphones and induction, assistive hearing devices, video cameras, recordings and
                         video conferencing, for students with auditory impairments, wheelchair assistance,
                         lecture notes, scribes for students with ambulatory difficulties, scanners and printers,
                         special books/tutorials including large print versions, e-books or audio books, media
                         with closed captioning, and wheelchair assistance;

                      e.  additional time, explanation and quiet areas; and

                      f.  any other accommodation as may be necessary as determined by the Accessibility
                         Committee  from  time  to  time,  provided  that  any  such  accommodations  that  are
                         directly related to examinations and assessments, such as those under Section 6.2,
                         shall require the student to provide a Disability Certificate (as defined in Section 2.3 of
                         this policy).

            6.2.    Examinations  and  assessments:  At  the  commencement  of  each  course  appropriate

                    arrangements  for  examination  and  assessment  will  be  determined  through  mutual
                    consultation between the faculty, the Disability Coordinators and the student. To qualify for
                    an accommodation, the student must provide a Disability Certificate (as defined in Section

           11 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="13"><![CDATA[2.3 of this policy). Alternate arrangements will be made with the view that students are able
                    to demonstrate their learning appropriately and suitably meet the criteria for progression or
                    the  conferment  of  an  award.  In  general,  standards  for  academic  credit  should  not  be
                    modified. They may need accommodations in testing, but the content should not be changed
                    unless necessary. Alternate arrangements for examination (for example, extra time, reduced
                    distractions, use of assistive technology such as laptops, scribes etc.) must be approved in
                    accordance with the provisions of Section 5.5 in advance. Where needed, students with
                    disabilities can choose whether or not to have their disability declared on their exam booklet
                    so an external examiner is alerted to their disability.

            6.3.    Residential/on-campus housing related accommodations: The HEI will ensure the provision

                    of on-campus residential facilities/hostel to students with disabilities if they require it. In
                    case of large universities with numerous hostel facilities, it is advised that special rooms be
                    allocated  to  people  with  disabilities  with  washrooms,  privacy  and  other  necessary
                    arrangements.
            6.4.    Participation  in  sports,  cultural,  and  recreational  facilities:  Students  should  be  able  to
                    participate  equally  in  all  aspects  of  student  life.  HEIs  must  provide  reasonable
                    accommodations to allow students with disabilities to take part in student activities and
                    athletics if they wish to.

            6.5.    Continuing  education,  vocational  training,  online  education,  skill  development,  distance
                    learning, adult education, and training: Students with disabilities should have access to all
                    necessary accommodations that would allow them to pursue all educational and skill related
                    activities offered to their peers at HEIs.

            6.6.    Accommodations  during  convocation:  The  HEI  shall  make  every  effort  to  ensure  that
                    students with disabilities are able to participate fully in their convocations and enjoy this day
                    along with all their fellow graduates.

            7. GRIEVANCES

            7.1. Any grievances pertaining to disability services available at the HEI or any complaint by a student
                 with disability concerning discrimination, abuse or mistreatment by another student, staff or
                 faculty will be submitted to the Disability Coordinators. HEIs will ensure that students are aware
                 of the process for filing a grievance. If they are unable to resolve the concern, the Accessibility
                 Committee may be approached. The matter may be referred to the Vice Chancellor if the issue
                 is not appropriately resolved by the Accessibility Committee.

            7.2. If the grievance concerns a Disability Coordinator or a member of the Accessibility Committee,
                 the complaint shall be received directly by the office of the Vice Chancellor/Rector, who shall



           12 | P a g e]]></page><page Index="14"><![CDATA[replace  the  person  against  whom  the  complaint  has  been  made  if  substantial  grounds  for
                 removal are established on grounds such as harassment, discrimination, indolence etc.

            7.3.  If  any  complaint  made  in  accordance  with  Sections  7.1  and  7.2  has  not  adequately  been
                 addressed by the office of the Vice Chancellor, the student may contact the HEC Disability
                 Officer regarding the lack of compliance of the HEI with the provisions of this policy.

            8. FUNDS TO SUPPORT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

            8.1.  The  HEIs  shall  establish  a  special  fund  to  support  students  with  disabilities  and  annually
                  contribute  sufficient  funds  therein  through  exclusive  budgetary  provision.  Additionally,  all
                  funds and contributions raised through philanthropy shall accrue in this fund. Whenever the
                  HEI  or  a  student  with  disabilities’  own  financial  resources  are  deficient  in  meeting  an
                  accessibility requirement pertaining to his or her studies, the HEI will use this fund to provide
                  the necessary accommodations after a thorough evaluation of each case.

            9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

            9.1. The HEC will designate a Disability Officer who will provide guidance on the matters pertaining
                 to this policy and facilitate vis-à-vis disability-related interactions with the HEIs.***
            9.2.   The HEC may require the Disability Officer to assign weightage to the HEI’s compliance with
                 this policy in the recurring grant formula, the ranking criteria and the Institutional Performance
                 Evaluation (IPE).

            9.3.  Proposals for infrastructure development at HEIs may be submitted to the HEC’s Disability
                  Officer  and  will  be  reviewed  to  ensure  that  any  new  building  infrastructure  comply  with
                  international accessibility codes for persons with disabilities.


            9.4.  The HEC will collaborate with international and national organizations for the advancement of
                  persons with disabilities.

            10. REPORTING REQUIREMENT, FURTHER ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

            10.1.  Each  HEI  shall  establish  the  standing  Accessibility  Committee  and  designate  Disability
                  Coordinators in accordance with the provisions of the policy no later than September 30, 2021
                  and submit a statement of compliance with this provision (as well as with other applicable
                  provisions, including Section 3.1 & 3.4) to the HEC by the aforementioned date (including the
                  names and designations of the appointed members). Each HEI shall be required to submit to
                  the  HEC  an  annual  report  demonstrating  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  the  policy  by



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                  December 31  of each year. The HEC Disability Officer shall notify the form on which the HEIs
                  shall report compliance

            10.2. Merged with clause 10.1****.

            10.3.  The HEC’s Disability Officer may be consulted for clarification and advice in regard to the
                   implementation of this policy.

            10.4.  In case of any difference of opinion regarding the interpretation of this policy, the HEC’s
                    decision***** shall be considered final.

            10.5.  The  Disability  Officer  at  the  HEC  will  assist  students  with  disabilities  during  the  degree
                   attestation/equivalence  process.  No  attestation  /  equivalence  fee  will  be  charged  from
                   students with disabilities as per criteria mentioned at clause 2.3. However, this waiver shall
                   not cover fee for urgent cases.
            *
            **
            ***
            ****
            *****
            Amendments approved in 39  meeting of Higher Education Commission held on December 16-17, 2021 (Item No. 2)
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