Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Disability Support Services

The Maldives National University (MNU) is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment that ensures equal opportunities for students and staff with disabilities. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the University provides targeted disability support through accessible campus infrastructure, specialised learning environments, reasonable academic and examination adjustments, and financial assistance. These initiatives aim to remove physical, educational, and economic barriers, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate fully and independently in university life. MNU’s progress towards inclusion is further demonstrated by the graduation of its first deaf student, marking an important milestone in advancing equitable access to higher education.

Impact: Improved accessibility, removed barriers to participation, and enabled individuals with disabilities to access, pursue, and succeed in higher education on an equitable basis.

Physical Accessibility & Campus Infrastructure

MNU prioritizes an accessible physical campus to enable independent mobility for all students, staff, and visitors:

  • Built Environment Access: Campus facilities feature built-in ramps, lifts and accessible pathways to ensure seamless navigation across university buildings.
  • Accessible Amenities: Dedicated disability-accessible toilets are installed across campus facilities to cater to the personal needs of students with physical disabilities.

 

Personalized Learning & Inclusive Education

MNU tailors its educational delivery to remove barriers for students with sensory and learning impairments. MNU Student Support Service is dedicated in providing support to students with Disablity.

  • Specialized Learning Environments: Customized support and adapted learning spaces are provided for blind, vision-impaired, deaf, and hard-of-hearing students.
  • Reasonable Academic Adjustments: Flexible exam and assessment arrangements are available, including extended time, alternative assessment formats, and adaptive assistance.
  • Financial Assistance: Dedicated financial support mechanisms are available to assist students with disabilities in accessing higher education without financial barriers.
  • Health & Wellbeing Support: MNUwithU Support line was introduced in 2026 to provide dedicated support to students experiencing emotional distress, academic stress, psychosocial difficulties, or other mental health concerns. The helpline (1558) operates on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Key Milestones & Equity Impact

MNU continues to break boundaries in higher education inclusion within the Maldives:

  • Historic Graduates: In 2026, MNU celebrated the landmark graduation of its first deaf student, graduating from Bachelor of Information Technology in 2025 marking a major institutional milestone for inclusive education in the nation. (link this to the news)

 

Governance & Policy Framework

All disability support initiatives, reasonable adjustments, and accessibility standards at MNU are governed by formal institutional policy:

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