Introduction - Purpose of the project - Implementation of the project
The needs of students with disabilities and special educational needs have been identified by their increasing presence in universities. Their difficulties relate to access to educational materials, infrastructure, psychological support and participation in exams.
The act fully covers the needs of students with disabilities, providing services that ensure their equal participation. Assistive technologies, accessible textbooks, and specialized staff serve their special educational needs. With the provided services, such as technology lending support services and the provision of interpretation for Greek Sign Language, students can actively participate in their studies without delays, ensuring the timely completion of their courses and exams. The action is fully intertwined with the specific objective of Equal Access to Higher Education, in accordance with the objectives of the PADF Programme 2021-2027.
It contributes to the creation of a more inclusive educational community and to the improvement of the quality of life of students with disabilities.
Project Team
The Scientific Coordinator of the project is Professor Stamatios Aggelopoulos, Chancellor of the International Hellenic University with his deputy, Professor Petros Samaras. For the implementation of the actions, following a relevant invitation, specialized personnel were hired:
- Mr Kechaidis Nikolaos, Administrative Support
- Mr Koureas Argyris, Computer Science
- Ms Vouroutzidou Xenia, Social Sciences
- Mr Zavrakidis Kostas, Psychologist
- Ms Gkitsi Anna, Psychologist
- Ms Blana Kristy, Librarian
- Ms Stamatopoulou Dora, Librarian
The project team has a close and excellent collaboration with the permanent staff of the Accessibility Unit for persons with disabilities and persons with special educational needs, as well as with the entirety of the academic and administrative services of the Institution across all university campuses.
Project Actions
The project includes the following interventions:
- Support of the Accessibility Unit
This intervention concerns the support and administrative operation of the Accessibility Unit for students with disabilities (SwDs) and students with Special Educational Needs (SENs).
- Digital Accessibility
This intervention aims to improve access for students with disabilities and special educational needs (SwDs & SENs) to the university’s digital systems and platforms.
- Training and Support for Staff and SwDs
This intervention focuses on the training and continuous support of academic and administrative staff, librarians, and student-volunteers for the effective support of students with disabilities and special educational need.
- Psychological Support & Interpretation/Remote Interpretation for SwDs
This intervention focuses on providing psychological support services and interpretation in Greek Sign Language (GSL), as well as remote interpretation, for students with disabilities, deafness, or hearing impairments.
- Transportation and Escort for SwDs
This intervention aims to facilitate the transportation of students with physical disabilities to and from the university, ensuring their safe and comfortable access to educational facilities.
- Production of Accessible Academic Textbook
This intervention aims to provide academic textbooks in accessible formats for students with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments.
Project details
Project’s Title | «Support of equal access interventions for people with disabilities and other special educational needs at IHU» |
Project’s code | 6017332 |
Programme | «Central Macedonia 2021-2027» |
Priority – Aim | «Promoting Social Cohesion in Central Macedonia – ESF+ Intervention» |
Beneficiary | Special Account for Research Funds (ELKE) |
Start Date | 01/01/2025 |
End Date | 31/12/2025 |
Budget | 1.357.200,00 € |