The Awareness Workshop on Disabilities
The Support Centre for Persons with Disabilities at the University of Vavuniya successfully conducted its 2nd disability awareness workshop for selected students. Thirty-six students from the Faculty of Technological Studies participated in this event. Furthermore, the session was held from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. This workshop is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and student support.
About the Disability Awareness Workshop
The disability awareness workshop aimed to educate students on the objectives and activities of the Support Centre for Persons with Disabilities. In addition, it focused on how to integrate differently abled persons into the university community in the future. Therefore, the session provided both practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of disability inclusion. Students are also encouraged to visit the National Council for Persons with Disabilities for further resources on disability rights in Sri Lanka.
Why Disability Awareness Matters in Higher Education
Disability awareness is essential in building an inclusive and supportive campus environment. Moreover, universities play a key role in shaping attitudes towards differently abled persons. Consequently, events like this workshop help foster empathy, understanding, and practical inclusion skills among students. Furthermore, the World Health Organization highlights that over one billion people globally live with some form of disability. Thus, raising awareness at the university level contributes directly to a more equitable society.
Resource Persons at the Disability Awareness Workshop
The workshop featured three distinguished resource persons. Each speaker brought valuable expertise to the disability awareness workshop:
Dr M. Malaravan – Consultant Eye Surgeon, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. Dr Malaravan provided expert insight into visual impairments and their impact on daily academic life.
Dr Jennifer George – Head of the Department of Computing, University of Goldsmiths, London. Moreover, Dr George shared international perspectives on disability inclusion within higher education and technology.
Mr V. Subramaniyam – Member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. In addition, Mr Subramaniyam outlined the legal framework and national policies supporting persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka.
About the Support Centre for Persons with Disabilities
The Support Centre for Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment at the University of Vavuniya. Indeed, the centre offers a range of services to support differently abled students throughout their academic journey. Students and staff can learn more by visiting the Support Centre page or exploring university facilities and services.
Looking Ahead
The university plans to conduct further disability awareness workshops for students across all faculties. As a result, more students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to support their differently abled peers. Thus, the university continues to strengthen its inclusive campus culture. Read more about our student welfare programmes and upcoming events on the university events page.
