Suan Dusit University (SDU) operates under the vision of being a “University for Educational Equity,” emphasizing the creation of inclusive physical environments and management systems that are open and accessible to all—particularly persons with disabilities and the elderly. The Disability Accommodation Policy is an integral part of SDU’s strategy for Inclusive and Equitable Education, founded on Universal Design principles and in accordance with the Ministerial Regulation on Accessibility in Buildings for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly. The university allocates specific plans and budgets across all campuses to ensure that design, learning, and living are inclusive and equitable for everyone.
1. Policy Principles
SDU’s accessibility policy for persons with disabilities is guided by four core principles:
- Equitability: Everyone can access and use facilities equally without discrimination.
- Safety: Buildings are equipped with alarm systems, tactile warning surfaces, and adequate lighting.
- Simplicity and Understanding: Clear universal symbols and signage ensure easy navigation for all users.
- Energy Conservation: Facilities feature large control buttons, automatic doors, and user-friendly ramps to minimize physical strain.
2. Budget Allocation and Sustainable Implementation
SDU allocates an annual budget to continuously improve accessibility infrastructure, including ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and learning materials for students with disabilities. The university also supports the Disability Support Services (DSS) in providing reasonable accommodations and individualized assistance, while training staff and faculty to implement Inclusive Pedagogy practices.
3. Accommodation and Dormitory Accessibility
The policy extends to student housing, ensuring that dormitories are safe and accessible for all. Managed by the Dormitory Office (Dormitory System), SDU provides transparent application and management processes (Dormitory Registration PDF). All dormitories, including the Science Center Dormitory and S.B. Apartment, are designed following Universal Design principles, featuring ramps, handrails, adjustable bathrooms, and designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities.
4. Policy Review and Evaluation
The university reviews and updates this policy every three years to align with social, environmental, and technological changes. The most recent update, Disability Accommodation Policy 2024, expands the scope to cover learning, living, and skill development activities while ensuring transparency through public reporting mechanisms.
This policy reaffirms SDU’s strong commitment to ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities in every dimension—through physical infrastructure, funding, and support mechanisms—fully aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Public Evidence and References:
- Universal Design Facilities: https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/universal-design
- Disability Support Services (SPED): https://sped.dusit.ac.th/services
- PDF “Facilities for Persons with Disabilities”: https://sdg.dusit.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/10.6.7_1.pdf
- Dormitory System: https://dormitorysdu.dusit.ac.th
- Dormitory Registration Guide (PDF): https://dormitorysdu.dusit.ac.th/web/doc/DORM_Register.pdf
- Science Center and S.B. Apartment Information (TCAS): https://tcas.dusit.ac.th/dormitory/