ntering a university is a goal for many students, including those with disabilities. They aspire to study in their subjects of choice and work in the related fields. However, one main concern for these students is whether their universities have sufficient resources and facilities to support them. To ensure a more inclusive educational opportunity, Chiang Mai University has launched a project designed to help students with physical disabilities, vision and hearing impairment, learning disabilities, and autism by issuing supportive policies and providing a specially designed learning approach. The joint program between 14 faculties would allow them to have the same access to learning and teaching and the opportunity to achieve their goals as other students.
In addition to teaching and learning, the University has set up the Disability Support Services of Chiang Mai University (DSS-CMU) to provide support and facilitation before admission and during their study, enabling them to have the same educational and social experiences as other students. The facilities provide support ranging from braille transcription, sign language interpreting, wheelchair service, electric shuttle vehicles, wheelchair ramps and handrails, accessible restrooms, bonding activities for normal students and students with disabilities to funding and job recruitment support after graduation.
Miss Arisara Inkaew (May), majoring in Philosophy and Religion, the Faculty of Humanities
"I want to support and motivate the ones lacking opportunities, and help be their missing parts.”
‘The main reason why I wanted to get into CMU was because it was my dream university and I really wanted to join the annual Doi Su Thep Hiking ceremony. There was something magical and sacred about it. Because of CMU’s admission programme for students with special needs, I received the chance to study here and I have discovered that it is very friendly to students with disabilities. There are facilities like ramps, electric shuttle vehicles and accommodation provided. I have chosen to minor in Women Studies with specialisation in human rights, gender and the rights of persons with disabilities because I believe that it would allow me to help others. When I met those who have more severe disabilities, I became motivated to keep living my own life and also contributing to others, to give a hand to those in need. I always remind myself that once graduated, I want to get a job that inspires our friends with disabilities and speak up for them.’
Miss Patamwadee Intanon (Mew), majoring in Thai Art, the Faculty of Fine Arts
“Fine Arts lead me to my dream of becoming an Thai art teacher while sports increases my self-worth.”
‘I was delighted to get into CMU, my dream university. I was so impressed by the fact that CMU had a special admission track for students with special needs. More importantly, there is a service center to help students with special needs like me. I chose Fine Arts because I have always wanted to become an art teacher. Moreover, I am on the University’s table tennis squad. I practice and compete as a member of the junior national team. I have to practice hard and sometimes I do feel discouraged. Being in a bigger society, I have to take twice the effort to take care of myself, as I have to compete with both my peers and myself.
But it pushes me to go forward and gives me more experiences. Moreover, as a part of the society that helps people with disabilities, I have the chance to become a volunteer teacher in schools and I have seen my capacity being appreciated more.’
CMU has always recognized the importance of ‘Education for All’ and committed to the mission to increase equality and open up the window of opportunities for students with special needs, allowing them to learn and to live without hardships and limitations, and eventually become quality graduates like everybody else.
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