Ateneo Strengthened Support for Visually Impaired Freshman

Manila, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University implemented a comprehensive support system to ensure an accessible and inclusive learning environment for Enzo, a visually impaired freshie in AB Political Science. Various offices, faculty, and staff worked together to provide accommodations that assisted him in his academic and campus life.

Campus Mobility and Student Support

To help Enzo navigate the campus, a designated staff member coordinated with him daily to address mobility concerns. During a meeting on July 12, 2024, his family also submitted a health notification form to the university’s health services, ensuring appropriate medical support when needed.

 During orientation, assigned student guides assisted Enzo in familiarizing himself with the campus and key locations. Special arrangements were also made to support him in his freshman integration classes.

Assistive Technology and Learning Tools

To enhance his learning experience, Enzo used:

• A screen reader to navigate digital materials.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software converts scanned PDFs into readable text.
• Cloud-based word processing applications for document creation.

Faculty members provided slide presentations before or during class to ensure accessibility. The university also explored secure test-taking options that aligned with his needs.

Through these coordinated efforts, Ateneo reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, ensuring all students received the necessary support to thrive academically.

Ateneo de Manila’s Commitment to Quality Education

As a leading university in the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila is committed to providing high-quality education. The university offers both free and paid access to its libraries and fosters creativity and innovation through its learning spaces. Ateneo Graduate School of Business' Center for Continuing Education also provides opportunities for lifelong learning skills to the public. Various schools, departments, and centers within the university, such as the Institute of Philippine Culture and the Ateneo School of Government, contribute to public access to learning through open access and online seminars.

Ateneo also aims to promote inclusive education by offering scholarships that target underrepresented groups. Scholarships are available for disadvantaged individuals, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the graduate level, ensuring access to education while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Over the past three years, there has been a consistent increase in the percentage of graduates with teaching qualifications, reflecting successful efforts to prepare graduates for careers in education better. Similarly, lifelong learning measures have demonstrated positive growth, emphasizing a commitment to continuous learning opportunities beyond traditional education. However, there has been a slight decline in the percentage of first-generation students, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and support mechanisms to ensure equitable access to education for all. Recommendations include enhancing preparation for careers in education, fostering lifelong learning through diverse programs, and prioritizing inclusive policies for first-generation students to promote diversity and equal opportunities in higher education.