A Beacon of Inclusion:The University of Nizwa and Its Pioneering Unit for Students with Disabilities
Each year, on the 3rd of December, the world pauses to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a day to reaffirm the universal commitment to inclusivity, equal rights, and boundless opportunities for all. At the University of Nizwa, this ethos is not merely a concept but a guiding principle woven into the institution's fabric. In 2015, with a vision as clear as the mountain air that surrounds its campus, the University took a monumental step forward by establishing the “Unit for Students with Disabilities.” This initiative became more than just a service—it became a promise.
Since its inception, Faiza Salem Al Shamli has diligently upheld this commitment. Recognized across the campus for her unwavering dedication and empathy, Mrs Al Shamli has devoted herself to facilitating a smooth transition for students with disabilities into the dynamic and enriching environment of university life.
When Ishraqah spoke with students, their words painted a vivid tapestry of challenges, triumphs, and aspirations. Take, for instance, Iman Harb Al-Rahebi, a second-year student majoring in English translation. Reflecting on her early days at the University, she shared, “I was sceptical at first. I worried the University might overlook our needs, but my doubts dissolved when I met Ms. Al Shamli and the Unit. From the first week, navigating the campus seemed daunting—like being lost in a labyrinth. But then came the Isnad students, our guiding hands, who escorted us to classes. It changed everything.”
For Khalil Musabah Al-Hanai, a second-year Arabic language and literature student, the journey has been both enriching and challenging. “The foundation year was transformative,” he recalled, “teaching us English, IT, and maths in ways tailored to our needs. I felt empowered, finally understanding concepts that had eluded me in school. Yet now, in college courses, the challenges resurface. Professors sometimes forget that students with disabilities are in their midst. Course materials aren’t always adaptive, but again, the Isnad students step in, providing invaluable support.” With a hopeful glint in his eyes, he added, “I dream of a campus—whether the current or the future one—that fully embraces accessibility, from tactile paving for the blind to examination formats that accommodate all.”
Then there’s Majed Ahmed Al-Sawafi, a first-year Arabic language and literature student, just beginning his academic odyssey. “The foundation year equipped us with so much—knowledge of computers, adaptive classrooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology, and confidence to face the future. It’s been a journey of discovery and empowerment.”
Mrs. Al Shamli, the cornerstone of this initiative, proudly highlighted the University’s ongoing efforts. Today, the Unit supports 60 students, a figure that represents nearly 5% of the student body. “While we’ve achieved much,” she admitted with a smile tinged with determination, “there’s always more to do. The Unit strives to provide up-to-date equipment and the best facilities for these exceptional students.”
And yet, even as progress glimmers, the road ahead calls for further steps. Pathways that guide blind students through tactile paving, smoother mobility across the campus, and even more inclusive learning materials—all these remain goals to be achieved.
At the University of Nizwa, inclusion is not just a duty; it’s a story of perseverance, hope, and human connection. Every effort, adjustment, and small triumph adds another page to a narrative that reminds us of a simple truth: when we create spaces where everyone belongs, the world becomes richer for it.
