History

As one of the leading universities in the Muslim countries, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has attracted many excellent talents to join the University as students or as staff, regardless of their disabilities. The opportunity provided by the IIUM has opened doors to persons with disabilities to play an equally important role in the process of developing the country and the Muslim ummah as a whole.

In view of the increasing number of students and staff with various types of disabilities, in April 2012 a group of staff and students with disabilities proposed the idea to the Honourable Rector to establish a unit within the University to cater specifically to the needs of persons with disabilities, as generally practiced especially at all leading universities in the world. With the strong support of the University, the Disability Services Unit (DSU) of the IIUM was established in July 2012 to cater specifically to the needs of students, staff and visitors with disabilities at the IIUM. It seeks to provide equal opportunity for comprehensive excellence and access to teaching and learning through enhancement of facilities and services for persons with disabilities. This is in line with the Islamic spirit of al-‘adl wa al-ihsan, and in accordance with Malaysia’s Persons with Disabilities Act 2008. It is also consistent with the IIUMyFamily concept that promotes inclusion of students and staff with disability in education and employment.

Background

The University had 3 disabled students at the beginning of its establishment in 1983. In 2019, the University has a total of 76 students and 13 staff with different types of disabilities. In view of the increasing number of students and staff with various types of disabilities, and in line with Malaysia’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008, and an inclusive society, the Disability Services Unit (DSU) was established in 2012.  The establishment of the DSU is important to cater specifically to the special needs of students, staff and visitors with disabilities, as practiced by almost all leading universities of the world. 

Objectives

The DSU implements the objectives of the IIUM Disability Inclusion Policy which are as follows:

  1. To fulfill and protect the rights of students and staff with disabilities to get full access to the teaching and learning system, work environment and campus life.
  2. To enhance the competitiveness of students and staff with disabilities in a holistic manner.
  3. To coordinate the management of students and staff with disabilities at all levels of University administration.
  4. To increase awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities among campus citizens