Muscat – Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has intensified efforts to promote inclusive higher education, hosting a national workshop on expanding university access for students with hearing impairments.

Organised in cooperation with the Omani Association for People with Hearing Impairments, the workshop titled ‘Towards an Inclusive University: Prospects for the Admission of Students with Hearing Impairments to Higher Education Institutions’ was held on Sunday under the patronage of H H Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation.

The event coincided with Arab Deaf Week and brought together policymakers, academics, specialists, civil society representatives and students to review admission policies and discuss challenges faced by students with hearing impairments.

Prof Dr Fakhriya bint Khalfan Al Yahyai, Director of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Admission Project at SQU, said building an inclusive university is “a national and ethical responsibility” that requires coordinated institutional action.

She said the university has taken steps to create a supportive learning environment, including adapting curricula, upgrading facilities and introducing specialised training for academic and administrative staff. Buildings, classrooms and student accommodation have been modified to improve accessibility and safety.

Among recent initiatives, SQU has completed a sign language video dictionary for academic terminology aimed at improving knowledge delivery. A preparatory year programme has also been introduced to strengthen Arabic language skills, with course content aligned to Omani culture.

Five training modules have been implemented, involving 20 participants from academic, technical and administrative departments. A volunteer initiative promoting sign language learning among staff and students attracted more than 100 participants shortly after its launch.

The university is also finalising a memorandum of understanding with the Omani Association for People with Hearing Impairments to expand sign language training across campus.

Discussions during the workshop addressed the need to strengthen institutional partnerships, improve support services and increase the availability of sign language interpreters. Participants also highlighted art education as a potential pathway for empowerment, presenting case studies of academic and social achievement among students with hearing impairments.