The celebration was held on 3 December in collaboration with Helm and Dialogue in the Dark.

With wheelchair-friendly pathways, assistive technologies, and specialized support programmes, AUC sets a new standard for accessibility in higher education across the region.

AUC's vision for inclusivity
 

This milestone underscores AUC’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive space where every member of its community can thrive.

The university's vision is that every student, faculty member, and staff member can fully engage with campus resources, support services, and opportunities.

“This day is not just a moment to reflect — it is a call to action to recognize, amplify, and support the incredible potential of persons with disabilities," AUC President Ahmad Dallal said, addressing the audience.

"This year’s theme, 'Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,' reminds us of the essential role persons with disabilities play in our communities when given the right access to opportunities,” Dallal added.

AUC President Ahmad Dallal addressing the audience. Photo courtesy of Reham El-Adawi.

Dallal noted that the AccessAUC initiative reflects the university’s responsibility as a higher education institution to do everything it can to create the spaces, practices, and awareness to allow all the community members to contribute fully.

“While our work in this area is far from complete, we aspire to create models for learning, teaching, and working environments where everyone belongs,” he stated.

Over the years, AUC has developed robust academic support systems tailored to its students' diverse needs.

The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) unit coordinates academic accommodations, cutting-edge assistive technologies, and personalized counselling.

Moreover, scholarships such as the Ahmed and Rania Ismail Endowed Scholarship and the Attijariwafa Bank Public School Scholarship for Students with Disabilities further enhance opportunities for students with disabilities.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, students with disabilities accounted for 6.7 percent of the student body, which aligns with US university benchmarks.

AUC also promotes self-advocacy and awareness through specialized workshops and orientations for faculty and staff.

Key highlights of the initiative
 

AUC’s New Cairo campus is also designed with inclusivity in mind. Key features include wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible residences, and an inclusive sports complex.

Furthermore, the university introduced Egypt’s first sustainable tactile pathways to support visually impaired students in navigating the campus independently. State-of-the-art adaptive technology corners further enhance learning experiences for students with visual impairments.

This year, the AUC also launched the People with Disabilities Employee Mentorship and Development Programme, a one-year initiative providing professional experience, skill-building, and career preparation.

Participants receive technical training, resume support, and professional references, equipping them for success within the AUC or beyond.

“We firmly believe that empowering persons with disabilities is not only the right thing to do; it is a pathway for stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable societies. Persons with disabilities bring unique talents, perspectives, and contributions that enrich our collective experience," Dallal emphasized.

"When we remove barriers to access and create environments where everyone can thrive, we unlock opportunities for all the community members,” he continued.

Key speakers at the panel discussion: Maha Helali, Ahmed Fathy, Amena Elsaie, Eglal Shenouda, and Jowairya Soliman. Photo courtesy of Reham El-Adawi.

The celebration included a panel discussion, titled “Universities as Catalysts for Inclusion and Access,” featuring key speakers: Maha Helali, adviser to Egypt's Minister of Social Solidarity on Disability Affairs; Eglal Shenouda, member of the National Council for Persons with Disability; and Amena Elsaie, co-founder and CEO of Helm Foundation.

Among them also were Ahmed Fathy, deputy chair of the Social Solidarity, Family and Persons with Disabilities Committee in the Egyptian parliament, and Jowairya Soliman, Excellence Scholarship recipient.

The day also featured various accessibility-promoting activities and a handicrafts bazaar showcasing works by persons with disabilities.

Before the panel discussion, AUC Political Sciences student Maha Hassan, who has a sight disability, mesmerized the attendees by playing the famous compositions of renowned pianist Omar Khairat on the piano.