Fiji National University (FNU) is dedicated to providing equal access, full participation, and adequate accommodations for students striving to achieve their academic objectives, according to Associate Professor Jimaima Lako, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching.
The upcoming open day at FNU, themed “Dream It, Weave It, Achieve It,” aims to offer students insight into various academic pathways. Professor Lako emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering disability awareness within its community, noting the aspiration to become a national leader in providing equal opportunities in education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Around eight special schools are expected to be present at FNU’s open day, which will occur across multiple locations. The university is prepared to offer auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpreters for students with hearing impairments and orientation and mobility instructors for those with vision impairments. These services will be arranged as long as they are included in the students’ Individual Reasonable Adjustment Plan (IRAP).
FNU also offers alternative formats for printed materials, such as Braille and large print. The university can assist in enlarging documents or providing content in accessible formats like Word or PDF. In cases where specific accommodations cannot be met, FNU will collaborate with lecturers to find suitable solutions.
Professor Lako assured that resources are in place to support students with special needs, emphasizing the importance of ensuring accessibility to educational and employment resources. The university has invested in assistive technologies, such as the JAWS Screen Reader and Magic Magnification Software, and boasts a modern computer lab equipped with software to aid students in their academic pursuits. This includes screen readers for visually impaired students and voice-activated software for those with physical impairments.
“We provide reasonable adjustments to help them meet the inherent requirements of their programs to the best of their ability. These adjustments may include materials in accessible formats or additional time during exams,” reiterated Professor Lako.
FNU’s Open Day is expected to attract about 17,489 students at its various campuses. The event is scheduled as follows: Nasinu on October 4-5, 2024; Naduna on October 3-4, 2024; Namaka on October 4, 2024; and Natabua on October 4, 2024.