Birzeit University marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Birzeit University President Beshara Doumani launched a week-long event to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Monday, December 5, 2022. Dr. Doumani stressed the university’s commitment to the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the university’s community and the rehabilitation of the university facilities to accommodate their needs.

In his speech, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Iyad Tumar talked about the Committee for Persons with Special Needs that was established by Student Affairs to attend to the academic, social and psychological needs of students with disabilities. The committee was established in 2008 to revise the university regulations and develop its infrastructure to encompass the students’ needs.

Munes Nazzal and Amira Abu Arqoub, former students at Birzeit University, elaborated on the committee’s active role in empowering special-needs students and bolstering their independence. With the committee’s support, they were able to start entrepreneurial ventures and become active members in their communities.