Students with Special Needs

Home Students with Special Needs

At KCST, we are committed to meeting the diverse educational needs of all students, ensuring that those with special needs receive the necessary support to fully engage in academic and campus activities without undue stress. Students with mobility impairments, learning disabilities, and psychological needs have access to tailored services to promote their academic success and well-being.

All students seeking accommodation must provide documentation of their disability or medical condition, issued by a qualified professional (e.g., psychologist, medical doctor, psychiatrist, or neurologist). The documentation should be recent and relevant to the student's academic program.

Admission and Pre-Registration Process

To ensure that students with special needs can successfully complete their academic programs,
the following steps are taken at the pre-registration stage:

  1. Initial Meeting: A meeting is arranged with the student and their parent/guardian to assess the level of disability and determine necessary support. This meeting is conducted by staff from the Student Success Center with the presence of the Student Affairs Dean.
  2. Assessment: Two types of assessments are conducted—behavioral evaluation and communication cues analysis—to align student needs with KCST's available resources.
  3. Program Guidance: Students and their families receive guidance on available academic programs and support services before proceeding with the standard admission process.

Services and Accommodations

Support for Students with Mobility Impairments

To ensure accessibility and ease of movement across campus, KCST provides:

  • Specially allocated parking spaces close to university facilities.
  • Wheelchair-friendly access routes with wide corridors free from obstructions.
  • Accessible lecture halls, labs, and auditoriums with designated wheelchair spaces.
  • Elevators for easy access to all functional floors.
  • Accessible restrooms equipped with emergency call buttons for assistance.

 

Support for Students with Learning Disabilities

KCST provides tailored academic support for students with learning disabilities to ensure their success:

  • Extended time during exams to accommodate processing differences.
  • Option to submit typed assignments (when approved by faculty).
  • Encouragement to attend faculty office hours for guidance and feedback.
  • Quiet, distraction-free testing environments at the Wellbeing Unit.
  • Concise oral instructions and clarification when needed.
  • Preferential seating based on student needs.

 

Counseling and Academic Support

Students with learning disabilities can meet with the counselor too:

  • Develop time management strategies and techniques for coping with exam anxiety.
  • Assess accommodation needs and facilitate referrals for additional academic support.
  • Provide psychosocial support before referring students to a special advisor for assistance
    with course registration and planning.
  • Develop Smart plans before exams if needed.

Students with special needs facing academic challenges may register for a maximum of 9 credits per semester to reduce their workload and enhance learning.

 

Psychological and Wellbeing Support

The Wellbeing Unit provides a confidential space for students to seek emotional, psychological, and academic support. Services include:

  • Individual counseling sessions to address mental health concerns.
  • Collaboration with faculty to improve communication and understanding of student needs.
  • Referrals to external professionals if specialized intervention is required.

All medical and psychological information remains strictly confidential and is shared only on a need-to-know basis within the institution.

 

Support for Students with Temporary Disabilities

Students experiencing temporary health-related challenges (e.g., injuries requiring surgery, broken bones) can contact the Wellbeing Unit for short-term accommodation such as:

  • Assistance with classroom access and mobility.
  • Modified exam arrangements based on medical needs.

 

Accessing Services

Students with special needs are encouraged to contact the Wellbeing Unit as early as possible to arrange accommodation. The process includes:

  • Submitting relevant medical documentation.
  • Consultation with the counselor to determine support requirements.
  • Implementation of accommodation through collaboration with faculty and relevant departments.

 

Commitment to Inclusivity

KCST strives to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. By providing academic accommodation, psychological support, and accessibility services, we ensure equal opportunities for success and well-being.