Page 57 - Faculty Handbook 2021-22

5) Visually challenged students are provided a scribe to write the exams for them. The scribe is
a peer tutor from Learning Support Center. For ensuring adherence to academic integrity,
the scribe cannot be from the same major.

6) Arrangement for visually challenged students is made in a separate exam room and one
proctor is exclusively assigned to that room. The time allowed for these students to write
the exam is one and half times the time allowed to normal students.

7) DU has communicated to the Ministry of Higher Education about the category of students
with special needs that can be admitted to the University and for whom DU has the
necessary facilities available.

8) DU has also taken the responsibility to provide the visually challenged students with
transportation facility, to and from the University, as long as they live in the apartment
buildings next to DU campus.

9) DU has launched a student club to cater exclusively to the needs of students with special
needs. The club organises extra-curricular activities for these students and also aims to
attract volunteers within DU and the Dhofar community at large to bring awareness on
issues related to these students.

13.4. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES UNIT

Students with Disabilities Support Services Unit (SWDSSU) at Dhofar University strives to provide
comprehensive academic and non-academic support services to all persons with disabilities for
their holistic growth and development in a way that helps them to adapt to their various
environments, and empower them in the Omani society for positive changes in their life and their
societies. The unit is headed by CAAS Dean and supported by a dedicated academic team consisting
of faculty members drawn from all colleges and FP. There is a full time coordinator for managing
the activities of the center. (www.du.edu.om)

13.5. SERVICES PROVIDED BY SWDSSU

1) Built-in Accessibility Computer Systems for Visually Impaired Students:
SWDU, in collaboration with the Computing and Networking Center(CNC), has acquired a

licensed version of Windows 365, which has built-in disability’s- friendly accessibility features
such as: screen magnifier, contrast ratios, and full feature screen reader.
SWDU also has an exclusive computer lab for students with disabilities, which is equipped with
NVDA (Non-visual Desktop Access) screen reader. SWDU plans to acquire licensed software

Super-Nova for enhanced screen reading, which also Supports a wide range of braille displays.

In addition, DU’s website has all accessibility features including text-reader to enable students
with disabilities to have easy access to the available information.

2) Sign Language Interpreters and Note-takers
Provision of a sign language interpreter or note-taker is an essential support service for most of

the students with hearing disability, so that their potential can be fully realised. A student who
has a hearing impairment is likely to have difficulty in listening and taking notes at the same

Dhofar University Faculty Handbook (2021-22) Page 53