Fiji National University (FNU) is dedicated to ensuring that students have equal access, full participation, and reasonable accommodations as they pursue their academic goals, according to Associate Professor Jimaima Lako, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching.
The upcoming Open Day, themed “Dream It, Weave It, Achieve It,” aims to provide students with detailed information about the academic pathways available to them. Professor Lako emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering disability awareness within its community and highlighted FNU’s vision to be a national leader in providing equal opportunities in education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
The Open Day will see participation from around eight special schools across various FNU locations, where auxiliary aides and services will be available, including sign language interpreters for students with hearing impairments and mobility instructors for visually impaired students. Such assistance is organized through the Individual Reasonable Adjustment Plan (IRAP).
FNU is also committed to providing alternative formats for printed materials, including Braille and large print, and can assist with producing accessible content in Word or PDF formats. Additionally, the university collaborates with lecturers to find solutions when specific accommodations cannot be directly provided.
Professor Lako pointed out that FNU has various resources to support students with special needs, ensuring they have equal access to education and employment resources. The university offers assistive technologies, such as JAWS Screen Reader and Magic Magnification Software, and boasts a modern computer lab equipped with software tailored to help students complete their programs. This includes tools like screen readers for those with vision impairments and voice-activated software for individuals with physical disabilities.
“We provide reasonable adjustments to help them meet the inherent requirements of their programs to the best of their ability,” Professor Lako stated, adding that adjustments might include accessible materials and additional exam time.
This year’s FNU Open Day is expected to attract around 17,489 students, with events scheduled for various locations. The dates for the Open Day are: Nasinu on October 4-5, 2024; Naduna on October 3-4, 2024; Namaka on October 4, 2024; and Natabua on October 4, 2024.