Accessibility is a vital consideration for educational institutions, as it plays a pivotal role in providing equitable learning opportunities. It ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, can fully engage in the educational process. This encompasses a wide range of measures, from physical accessibility and clear signage for navigation to adaptable classrooms and workspaces. By implementing these measures and promoting universal design principles, accessibility fosters inclusivity, enabling everyone to participate and contribute effectively to the learning or working environment.
IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany's largest university of applied sciences and the flagship educational institution of IU Group, is committed to ensuring accessibility and comfort across all its offices and educational facilities. In 2023, IU conducted a comprehensive review of its campuses and offices, revealing that a clear majority of IU campuses (71%, or 22 out of 31) and 29% (two out of seven) offices assessed are fully accessible. Seven campuses and four offices lack adaptable toilets, and only two campuses and two offices fall short of sufficient accessibility standards.
The analysis showed that 20,112 IU students engage in in-person learning at fully accessible campuses, while 5,737 students attend campuses that offer a barrier-free access but lack adapted restrooms. Only 576 students are studying at campuses with neither adapted restrooms nor barrier-free access.
IU is actively working to enhance the accessibility of its facilities by investing in infrastructural changes. By the end of 2024, IU plans to improve infrastructure across campuses, benefiting 14% of the total current student body. It is planned that all IU campuses will be fully or partially accessible following these enhancements. This significant move underscores IU's commitment to creating an educational environment where all students, regardless of their physical capabilities, can study comfortably and effectively.
IU's multi-faceted, data-supported approach exemplifies its dedication to fostering an educational environment that prioritizes the needs of all students, ensuring that they can study comfortably and effectively, irrespective of their physical capabilities.
