Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, working in partnership with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) from Thailand, has launched an initiative aimed at improving policies for students with disabilities in higher education institutions across Pakistan. This initiative, which was marked by a workshop and immersion program in Bangkok, Thailand, is focused on bolstering institutional capacity for the effective implementation of accessibility and support services for disabled students.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the program created a platform for HEC and AIT to evaluate training needs, design a structured course curriculum, and share experiences regarding accessibility standards and support services. The collaboration seeks to identify opportunities for long-term professional development and institutional capacity building.

Participants of the program engaged in practical immersion experiences through visits to Kasetsart University, Thammasat University, and King Mongkut’s University of Technology. These visits allowed them to observe existing policies, accessible infrastructure, and support systems for students with disabilities, thereby gaining insights into developing inclusive university environments.

At the Asian Institute of Technology, sessions focused on developing course curriculums, training requirements for accessibility, and policy implementation mechanisms. These activities included interactions with AIT leadership, as well as cultural and networking opportunities.

A significant result of this collaboration is the draft of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between HEC and AIT. This three-year initiative will provide training to approximately 200 members of Accessibility Committees from Pakistani universities, focusing on accessibility policy, inclusive practices, and disability-inclusive measures.

AIT will offer these training programs at subsidized rates, assisting HEC in cultivating a knowledgeable workforce capable of implementing sustainable accessibility measures in Pakistani universities. This initiative is intended to foster a coordinated approach to disability inclusion in the country’s higher education sector.

The partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to translate accessibility policies into practical institutional frameworks, ensuring equitable and accessible education for students with disabilities in Pakistan.