The “Institut d'Enseignement Supérieur de Ruhengeri” (INES Ruhengeri) is currently hosting an impactful training workshop under the auspices of the ANSWER project for technical staff that will form part of the Support Centres for Students with Disabilities at partner universities and technical specialists in disability and education from partners institutions. This initiative, which commenced on March 18, 2024, brings together a diverse cohort of participants hailing from various educational and institutional backgrounds.
The workshop, themed "Promoting Equal Access to Academic and Social Life for All," underscores the imperative of fostering an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Attendees represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including support staff that will form part of the Support Centres for Students with Disabilities from the University of Rwanda, INES Ruhengeri, and the East African University-Rwanda as well as academic and administrative personnel from INES Ruhengeri, the University of Rwanda ( UR), the East African University-Rwanda( EAUR), and technical specialists in disability and education from the Ministry of Education( MINEDUC), the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)-Rwanda, and Uwezo Youth Employment.
Facilitators are from partner academic institutions abroad, namely the University of Alicante, Spain, and the University of Macedonia. The workshop's objectives are multifaceted, aiming to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to enhance emotional intelligence, resilience, and digital accessibility within educational contexts.
Throughout the sessions, participants delve into the principles and theoretical underpinnings of emotional intelligence, gaining insights into the diverse dimensions of resilience encompassing social, emotional, physical, and mental aspects. Moreover, they familiarize themselves with various methods for assessing emotional intelligence and resilience, laying a solid foundation for holistic personal development and support strategies.
A pivotal component of the workshop revolves around exploring these concepts through the lens of disabilities from an educational perspective. Participants engage in interactive discussions and practical exercises aimed at enhancing their ability to develop skills, strategies, and adaptive mechanisms conducive to maintaining and bolstering emotional well-being and resilience.
In line with the global push for digital inclusivity, the workshop underscores the importance of digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Participants are introduced to accessibility tools and features embedded within commonly used software such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, as well as techniques for creating multimedia PDFs adhering to international accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Moreover, attendees are acquainted with a plethora of assistive technologies tailored to different types of disabilities, empowering them to optimize document accessibility and facilitate seamless engagement for all learners. By mastering these tools and techniques, participants are poised to effect tangible change within their respective educational spheres, championing inclusivity and equal access for persons with disabilities.
As the workshop progresses, participants express enthusiasm about the newfound knowledge and skills acquired, envisioning a future where barriers to education and social participation are dismantled, and every individual is empowered to realize their full potential, irrespective of ability.
ANSWER project is taking significant steps to promote inclusivity and accessibility within Rwanda's higher education system. By establishing support centers, advocating for policy changes, facilitating internships, and emphasizing the use of assistive technology, ANSWER is working towards creating a more equitable environment where students with disabilities have equal opportunities to pursue education and enter the workforce. Through its comprehensive approach and collaboration with various stakeholders, ANSWER seeks to bring about lasting change and foster a society where diversity is embraced and individuals with disabilities can thrive.
Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
Public Relations Officer
University of Rwanda-College of Education
Tel +250788568937
