The dream of university is thrust alongside the most serious questions for every parent whose child is living with a disability: Will the campus be disability friendly? Will there be support? Will they belong? At KNUST, we are committed to taking these questions and turning them into a clear, confident affirmation. Our story is one of continuous evolution a commitment to building not just accessible facilities, but a truly inclusive community where every student is empowered to thrive.
Building the Foundation: KNUST, a Campus Opening Its Doors
The journey to full accessibility is one of the cornerstones of KNUST's mission. We believe that a world-class institution should also be accessible to all. Substantial, tangible investments have been made in reshaping our physical environment:
Navigable Pathways: Recently built spaces such as lecture halls, and key facilities feature ramped access, elevators, and accessible washrooms, while clearly marked reserved parking allows for easy movement.
A Culture of Solidarity:
In addition to infrastructure, the Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA), KNUST, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST, has nurtured a strong culture of peer support across campus. A committed network of student ambassadors and volunteers provides hands-on assistance from guiding newcomers across campus to supporting academic logistics, ensuring that help is always within reach.
DoSA also operates a dedicated Disability Desk that coordinates all disability-related student matters and serves as patron to the Association of Students with Disabilities. The University further strengthens this support system through its Disability Advisory Committee, which brings together key stakeholders, including DoSA, to guide inclusive policies and promote equitable participation for all students. Together, these structures reinforce a community where solidarity, dignity and independence are actively upheld.
A Catalyst for Change: Gender Inclusion and Vulnerability Office (GIV office)
The Vice-Chancellor created the Gender Inclusion and Vulnerability Office (GIV office) to drive this journey forward with heightened focus and institutional clout. This office is committed to being the engine of our next chapter, ensuring that inclusion is not an afterthought but rather a core design principle.
GIV office is working actively to: Partner directly with students with disabilities to identify existing challenges and collaboratively design effective, practical solutions. Institutionalize and expand he existing peer-support networks will be institutionalized and extended to allow a much more formalized, predictable system of support under the guidance of this office.
A Direct Invitation to Parents
In choosing KNUST for your child, you choose a university that acknowledges the journey, celebrates the progress, and is institutionally committed to the path ahead. It is a place where your child will find: A successively more accessible physical environment and a ready community of peer and institutional support.
Contact the Gender Inclusion and Vulnerability Office (GIV office) for more information on our support systems.
By: Prof. Mrs Mercy Badu
