Thammasat University Notification

RE: Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Thammasat University is resolutely committed to being a People’s University that upholds the principle of equality. It aims to provide opportunities for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status—whether affluent or disadvantaged, urban or rural, advantaged or marginalized—to fully engage in learning at Thammasat University. This includes opportunities for employment based on individual capabilities. In accordance with the mission of Thammasat University and the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, B.E. 2550 (2007), Thammasat University hereby establishes the following policy regarding disability and reasonable accommodation: 

1. Definitions 

• “University” refers to Thammasat University. 
• “Students” refers to individuals enrolled at Thammasat University. 
• “University employees” refers to the employees of Thammasat University, including staff funded by revenue and temporary workers who are not permanent employees of government agencies. 
• “People with disabilities” refers to individuals who have limitations in daily activities or social participation due to physical, intellectual, learning, or other impairments and require special assistance. 
• “Reasonable accommodation” refers to modifications made to academic or work environments that enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate fully. This includes ensuring equal rights and privileges compared to nondisabled peers. 
• “Disability Student Services Center” refers to the unit dedicated to supporting students with disabilities through resources and accommodations. 
• “Universal design” refers to creating accessible and usable products, environments, and systems for all individuals, in alignment with the Ministerial Regulation on Accessibility in Buildings for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, B.E. 2548 (2005). 

2. The University is committed to ensuring that no individual is discriminated against in terms of opportunities, rights, or privileges, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities. The University endeavors to foster an inclusive environment that enables all individuals to access resources and engage fully in academic and professional activities without barriers. 

3. The Disability Student Services Center for students, the Human Resources Department for university employees, and relevant departments shall be responsible for the development and implementation of individualized plans for reasonable accommodations. These departments will facilitate access to necessary technology, educational resources, and support services to ensure full participation in university activities. Furthermore, all departments and faculties shall ensure that work environments, programs, course instruction, materials, and events are accessible to faculty, staff, and students with disabilities. A formal process will be established to allow Students and University employees to provide feedback on the effectiveness of accommodations and to report any issues or concerns. 

4. The University shall implement universal design principles in both physical and digital environments, including accessible learning materials, assistive technologies, and adaptive resources to ensure full participation in academic and professional activities. For physical environments, all new construction and renovation projects must comply with national standards and adhere to universal design principles to create an accessible and user-friendly environment. 

5. The University is committed to providing financial assistance to students with disabilities for essential educational resources, assistive technologies, and other pertinent expenses to alleviate financial barriers to education. Budgetary allocations shall be explicitly defined to ensure that the necessary resources and technologies are available to support students with disabilities. 

6. The University shall conduct regular awareness campaigns aimed at educating the University community about disability rights, available resources, and the significance of inclusivity. 

Issued on October 18, 2024 

(Professor Supasawad Chardchawarn) Rector of Thammasat University