10.6.7. Accessible facilities

In its sustainable development strategy, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) consistently affirms its strong commitment to providing equal opportunity and barrier-free learning for all learners, including those with disabilities. The university recognizes that access to higher education is a crucial factor in enhancing social inclusion, improving quality of life, and reducing inequalities.

UEH has established a system of specific support policies and programs to help learners with disabilities access learning spaces conveniently, equitably, and sustainably. In 2024, UEH continued its work of supporting learners with disabilities, helping them achieve the best learning experiences at the university and spreading humanitarian values within the UEH community and wider society regarding the care for these learners, with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) as the key unit implementing the activities set forth by UEH.

Accessibility Program for People with Disabilities

To ensure students with disabilities can study and live like other students, UEH has heavily invested in accessible infrastructure and a comprehensive support system. In 2024, the university recorded and directly supported 9 students with disabilities enrolled in full-time programs. 

UEH launched and developed an online version of the bilingual guidebook for accessible routes for people with disabilities in English and Vietnamese : https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/quy-dinh-quy-trinh-huong-dan/huong-dan-loi-di-danh-cho-nguoi-khuyet-tat-tai-ueh/. This guidebook contains full images and detailed instructions for people with disabilities regarding accessible routes within UEH campuses. Facilities such as pathways, restrooms, and classrooms in learning areas, dormitories, and common areas are designed with ramps, elevators, handrails, and dedicated pathways, facilitating convenient movement for wheelchair users. Learning spaces are arranged openly and are equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment for learners with disabilities. The documentation is regularly updated to ensure all students with disabilities can access UEH’s learning spaces conveniently, safely, and independently.

Part of the content of the Guidebook for accessible routes for people with disabilities at UEH

Learners with disabilities are also exempt from 100% of shuttle bus and public bus fees (https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/chinh-sach-danh-cho-nguoi-hoc-khuyet-tat-nam-2024/), making transportation more convenient and reducing distance barriers.

Beyond infrastructure, UEH places special emphasis on the health and well-being of students with disabilities. Through UEH Medical Stations available at all campuses, students receive periodic health check-ups and timely support when needed. Additionally, the DSA collaborates with relevant units to organize psychological counseling sessions, exchange events, regular visits, and gift-giving activities.

Regarding financial assistance, UEH also regularly supports students with disabilities, helping them confidently continue their studies. UEH provides moral encouragement and presents each student with a gift on one of the special days: International Day of Persons with Disabilities or Vietnamese Day of Persons with Disabilities, valued at 500,000 VND per gift. Graduation gifts congratulating students with disabilities who have completed their programs at UEH are valued at 500,000 VND per gift, along with UEH souvenirs.

Furthermore, UEH seeks support from the community to accompany students with disabilities. Specifically, in 2024, UEH awarded 25 scholarships with the companionship of KEB Hana (https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/le-trao-hoc-bong-keb-hana-bank-nam-2024/), each scholarship valued at 400 USD. 

Representatives of KEB Hana in Ho Chi Minh City presenting scholarships to UEH students

In addition to supporting activities following the university’s general policies, the DSA also coordinates with relevant units to arrange adjustments to exam and class schedules for students with disabilities to suit their health conditions. Concurrently, they advise on effective study plans, and if students require psychological counseling, the DSA has a team of specialists to provide support

Reasonable accommodation policies for people with disabilities

Parallel to the accessibility program, UEH has issued and implemented a system of reasonable accommodation policies (https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/chinh-sach-danh-cho-nguoi-hoc-khuyet-tat-nam-2024/) aimed at helping students with disabilities reduce financial and academic pressures. Specifically, all students with disabilities at UEH are exempt from 100% of tuition fees according to State regulations. Additionally, each student classified as poor or near-poor receives an additional 1,000,000 VND per year to purchase necessary learning tools. UEH also prioritizes awarding scholarships from the University’s Scholarship Fund and other socialized sources to support students with disabilities facing particularly difficult circumstances.

Regarding accommodation, students with disabilities are prioritized for dormitory placement with rooms suitable for their specific living conditions, alongside a flexible registration process and simplified procedures. The university also implements flexible learning policies, enabling students with disabilities to adjust their study pace and choose suitable learning formats without disadvantage. Furthermore, UEH connects with businesses and professional organizations to support students with disabilities in finding job opportunities after graduation, while also providing companionship in career orientation and soft skills development.

Inspirational figures overcoming circumstances to achieve success

UEH constantly strives to create all conditions so that every student, regardless of circumstance or impairment, can pursue knowledge, develop themselves, and integrate into the community. On this journey, many students with disabilities have become vivid testaments to the power of overcoming adversity, notably in 2024 were Doan Cong Phat và Huynh Ngoc Hieu – two students with remarkable determination (https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/ueh-chung-tay-dong-hanh-cung-nguoi-hoc-khuyet-tat/).

Student Doan Cong Phat, Cohort 48 – majoring in Business Administration, is one of the typical examples of willpower to advance. Born with a mobility impairment, throughout his school years, Phat relied on his family’s support for daily activities. However, upon becoming a UEH student and having to live away from home to pursue his education, Phat chose to be independent so as not to be a burden to anyone. Every day at school, Phat proactively arranged his studies, independently sought materials, participated in learning, and integrated with peers like other students. Phat’s persistent determination and perseverance helped him maintain good academic performance, earning multiple enterprise-sponsored scholarships such as the sponsorship scholarship from Keb Hana Bank. His journey is not only proof of the power of will but also demonstrates how the university’s practical support policies have helped students with disabilities have equal opportunity to develop.

Cong Phat received sponsorship scholarship from Keb Hana Bank

Meanwhile, student Huynh Ngoc Hieu, Cohort 49 – Marketing Technology program, is another inspiring example of overcoming impairment. Hieu has congenital visual impairment but never considered it his limit. Since his school days, Hieu set a goal for himself to study hard not only to create value for himself but also to help others in similar situations. Upon entering the university environment, Hieu always proactively studied and participated in community activities. He utilizes technology and support applications, especially AI, to keep up with the study schedule, demonstrating excellent adaptability. With a strong belief in knowledge and the future, Hieu shared that he studies not only for himself but also to “study on behalf of” other people with visual impairments who do not have the equal opportunity to attend school.

Ngoc Hieu delivering a speech at the 2023 Opening Ceremony

The stories of Cong Phat and Ngoc Hieu are not only journeys of immense personal determination but also concrete evidence of the effectiveness of the support policies for learners with disabilities that UEH is implementing. Thanks to this support, students like Cong Phat and Ngoc Hieu have been able to pursue knowledge, complete their studies, and become a powerful inspiration for the UEH student community.

Summary

Compared to 2023, UEH achieved specific accomplishments:

+ Supported more students with disabilities studying at UEH (9 students compared to 6 students).

+ Diversified forms of support (financial assistance, accessibility programs, flexible policies)

+ Ensured living and learning conditions at UEH campuses (updated new policies, updated facilities at UEH campuses, organized visitation programs, ensured health, etc.).

Impact Metrics (2023–2024) such as:

+ 2023: 6 students with disabilities; 2024: 9 students (+50%).

+ 25 scholarships, total value 10,000 USD.

+ 100% of UEH campuses have ramps and accessible restrooms.

These efforts have helped students with disabilities at UEH maintain stable academic progress, ensuring their full rights and development conditions. The parallel combination of the accessibility program and support policies has created an inclusion and sustainable learning ecosystem, where students with disabilities are not only able to learn but also have opportunities for career development and social inclusion.

Open related links:

1. Guidebook for accessible routes for people with disabilities – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/quy-dinh-quy-trinh-huong-dan/huong-dan-loi-di-danh-cho-nguoi-khuyet-tat-tai-ueh/

2. February 4th, 2024 – Policy for learners with disabilities in 2024 – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/chinh-sach-danh-cho-nguoi-hoc-khuyet-tat-nam-2024/

3. January 11th, 2024 – KEB Hana Bank awarding 25 scholarships to students of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/keb-hana-bank-awarding-25-scholarships-to-students-of-university-of-economics-ho-chi-minh-city-ueh-71296

4. December 3rd, 2024 – UEH joins hands with disabled learners – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/ueh-chung-tay-dong-hanh-cung-nguoi-hoc-khuyet-tat/