The University of Alicante hosted last week the Disability Week 2024, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of universal accessibility and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The event, which coincided with International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd), sought to foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and highlight the need for a more inclusive society, especially in higher education.
Organized by the Student Support Center (CAE), the week-long celebration included a series of free workshops that covered various important themes, such as accessibility, universal design, and social, economic, and cultural integration. These workshops were led by various organizations that work with people with disabilities, as well as other groups committed to their inclusion in society. Among the participating organizations were ASFEME, FESORD,COCEMFE, ASPALI, ASOCIDE, APANAH, ONCE, and the MARQ. These workshops provided opportunities for participants to gain valuable knowledge and develop empathy toward the different groups represented.
The central event of the week was the public reading of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This reading took place on Thursday, December 5th, at 10:00 AM in the Germán Bernácer Building Auditorium. The event was open to the entire university community and aimed to spark reflection on the importance of safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities. It also emphasized the need to continue progressing toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
It is worth mentioning that the ANSWER project was also present at this great event: our partners from the University of Alicante, Esther Gallego and Tomás Ordóñez, trainers of ANSWER training, participated in the reading of some articles of the Convention, together with Viktoriia Hrebenik and Sofía Cerdá, Project Managers from the University of Alicante.
The broadcast of the Reading of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be accessed via the following link: https://vertice.cpd.ua.es/298560
The University of Alicante's Disability Week underscores the institution's strong commitment to accessibility and equality of opportunities for all. The Student Support Center emphasized that the week’s activities were designed to promote inclusive awareness within the university community. By organizing these workshops and events, the university aims to raise consciousness about the importance of designing products and services that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Sergio Soriano Úbeda, the director of the Student Support Center of the UA, highlighted the essential role of universities in leading social change. He stressed that universities must not only recognize the challenges faced by individuals with specific educational needs (NEAE) but also actively participate in addressing these challenges through research, innovation, and inclusive design. These efforts are crucial in transforming the educational experience for students with special educational needs and ensuring a truly inclusive academic environment.
