Disability Accommodation and Accessible Facilities Policy

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Policy Date: June 2023

Policy Reviewed: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Redeemer’s University provides an inclusive, respectful, and accessible physical environment for all individuals, including persons with disabilities. It affirms the university’s commitment to removing barriers and providing reasonable accommodations in both existing and future infrastructure.

This policy supports Nigeria’s legal framework on disability rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDGs 10 and 11).



Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All university-owned and operated buildings, classrooms, walkways, dormitories, administrative areas, and recreational spaces;
  • All new construction, renovations, and refurbishments;
  • All academic and non-academic departments participating in environmental stewardship;
  • All university staff, students, contractors, visitors, and stakeholders requiring accessibility support.


Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University is committed to fostering an environment of equality and dignity by ensuring that its facilities are physically accessible and its community is inclusive of people with physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disabilities.



Existing Campus Facilities

  • The university has already implemented wheelchair-accessible ramps in multiple academic and administrative buildings across campus.
  • Facilities such as lecture theatres, halls, and toilets are being progressively upgraded to meet minimum accessibility standards.
  • Staff and students are encouraged to report accessibility challenges to the Facilities Department to ensure timely response.


Future Campus Development

  • All new buildings, roads, walkways, and infrastructure projects from 2023 onwards shall be designed and constructed to be fully accessible, incorporating:
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrances and exits;
    • Elevators in multi-storey buildings;
    • Accessible toilets and classrooms;
    • Proper signage, lighting, and tactile surfaces where appropriate.
  • Campus planning and project design teams shall incorporate universal design principles and consult relevant standards during early development phases.
  • Accessibility must be factored into all approvals for new building projects.


    • Reasonable Accommodations

  • The university shall provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including:
    • Preferential classroom seating;
    • Adaptive furniture;
    • Special transport or mobility support within campus;
    • Priority room allocation in accessible dormitories;
    • Additional support during emergencies and evacuations.
  • Requests for accommodation will be addressed confidentially and respectfully through the Student Affairs Office or Human Resources Department, as appropriate.


    • Awareness and Capacity Building

    • Staff and student awareness campaigns will be carried out to promote respect and support for individuals with disabilities.
    • Training may be offered to key personnel (e.g., security, lecturers, facilities teams) on disability inclusion and accessibility etiquette.


    Roles and Responsibilities

    • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development): Overall accountability for implementation and reporting on accessible infrastructure.
    • Director of Works & Physical Planning: Ensures that all construction and renovation projects adhere to accessibility requirements.
    • Student Affairs Office: Coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities.
    • Human Resources Department: Coordinates accommodations for staff with disabilities.
    • Campus Health ServicesProvides medical support and advice on disability-related needs.
    • All University Staff and Students: Expected to support an inclusive and respectful environment.


    Reporting and Review

    • Accessibility concerns or infrastructure gaps can be reported through a designated feedback system managed by the Facilities Department.
    • An annual accessibility review will be conducted to assess progress, identify improvement areas, and guide future investments.
    • This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required by changes in law, university operations, or best practice standards

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