Empowering Education: Our work to support students with disabilities in Iraq
We partnered with the American University of Iraq Sulaimani (AUIS) to enable them to provide services that ensure every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive academically in Iraq.
The collaborative efforts between AUIS and KOGC exemplify a commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that values diversity and empowers all students to reach their full potential. The consultancy project aimed to identify barriers to academic success for students with disabilities and propose strategic recommendations to mitigate these challenges.
Our approach to this project was comprehensive and meticulous. Consisting of both virtual and in-person AUIS campus visits, our team engaged with stakeholders at all levels, including administration, faculty, and individual students. Through interviews, focus groups, and site visits to specialized schools and government agencies, KOGC gained valuable insights into the current state of support services and the unique needs of students with disabilities in the region.
One of the key findings of the consultancy project was the need for a dedicated Office of Accessible Education (OAE) at AUIS. This recommendation, among others such as implementing a Universal Design of Learning model and establishing a Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), underscores our commitment to creating a supportive infrastructure that caters to the diverse needs of students.
Our emphasis on collaboration with local and regional governmental agencies highlights the importance of community engagement in creating sustainable solutions for inclusive education. By forging partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, KOGC and AUIS are not only transforming the university’s support services but also contributing to broader societal change.
The consultancy project also shed light on the cultural and societal factors that influence perceptions of disability in the region. Through in-depth interviews and observations, we identified opportunities to challenge stigmas and promote greater awareness and acceptance of disabilities within the community.
Perhaps most importantly, the partnership between KOGC and AUIS reflects a shared vision of education as a powerful tool for social change and empowerment. By prioritizing the needs of students with disabilities, AUIS is setting a precedent for inclusivity and accessibility in higher education in Iraq and beyond.
Our collaboration with AUIS represents a significant step forward in advancing inclusive education and supporting students with disabilities in the middle east. Through our strategic recommendations and collaborative approach, we are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
We love working with AUIS. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to championing inclusivity around the world. By challenging stigmas and promoting awareness, we’re helping to create a more equitable learning environment where every student can thrive.
Dr. Loren O’Connor
