Article 1: Establishment and Legal Framework

  1. The Accessibility Committee of the Department of Theatre Studies (hereinafter: Committee) was established and operates based on the decision of the 122nd/19.02.2025 General Assembly of the Department of Theatre Studies. 
  2. The operation of the Committee is based on Law 4957/2022 "New Horizons in Higher Education Institutions" and the current provisions regarding equal access for students with disabilities and/or special educational needs to higher education. 
  3. The Committee is responsible for implementing the following principles concerning the Accessibility of Students with Disabilities in the Department of Theatre Studies of the University of the Peloponnese, which were approved based on the 137th/17.10.2025 General Assembly of the Department. 

Article 2: Mission

The mission of the Committee is to ensure equal access to academic studies for students of the Department of Theatre Studies with disabilities and/or special educational needs, as well as to support their educational and social integration into the University. 

Article 3: Eligible Service Users

  1. The Committee's services are provided to students who possess certified diagnoses from a public body for: 
    • a) Mobility impairments 
    • b) Sensory impairments (deafness, hearing loss, visual impairment) 
    • c) Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties) 
    • d) Speech and language disorders (dysarthria, stuttering) 
    • e) Mental health issues 
    • f) Severe illnesses 
  2. All the above students are hereinafter referred to as SwD (Students with Disabilities). 
  3. The Committee may examine, on a case-by-case basis, requests from students facing temporary disabilities or transient health problems, aiming to ensure their uninterrupted participation in the educational process. 

Article 4: Objectives

The Committee aims to: 

  1. Cover the basic needs of SwD regarding access to university facilities and services, 
  2. Ensure equal participation in educational activities, including teaching, studying, and examinations,
  3. Adapt and provide educational material in accessible formats, 
  4. Support the use of technological and visual aids,
  5. Provide psychosocial empowerment and counseling for SwD, 
  6. The evaluation of these objectives is carried out on an annual basis through questionnaires addressed to SwD, in order to record their satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. 

Article 5: Services of the Committee

The Committee develops and indicatively provides the following services: 

  1. Needs recording: Individualized recording through personal communication with SwD and collection of the necessary diagnoses. 
  2. Online accessibility: Provision of technological solutions, operation of accessible workstations, development of a volunteer support network, and operation of an accessible website. 
  3. Production of accessible educational material: Conversion of textbooks into accessible formats and provision of instructions to teaching staff for creating accessible material. 
  4. Built accessibility environment: Identification and recording of problems, ensuring special signage, ramps, elevators, platform lifts, accessible restrooms, and parking spaces, with priority given to students with severe mobility impairments. 
  5. Counseling support: Provision of counseling services for adaptation to the academic environment, dealing with anxiety and difficulties, as well as improving interpersonal relationships. 
  6. Provision of Greek Sign Language (GSL) interpretation at conferences/seminars or artistic events of the Department. 

Article 6: Organization and Operation

  1. The Committee cooperates with the teaching staff, administrative staff, and students of the Department. 
  2. Special care is taken to protect personal data and maintain confidentiality. 
  3. The Committee responds to student requests within 15 working days. 
  4. The Committee submits an annual report to the General Assembly of the Department of Theatre Studies with an accountability of actions and proposals for further development. 
  5. The members of the Committee are appointed by the General Assembly of the Department of Theatre Studies for each academic year. Among them, it is provisioned, where possible, that at least one member with proven relevant training and work in the field of accessibility and/or inclusion participates. 

Article 7: Rights and Obligations of Students with Disabilities (SwD)

  1. SwD enjoy equally all academic, administrative, and social rights applicable to the entirety of students in the Department of Theatre Studies. 
  2. They have the right to request the necessary adjustments to educational and examination processes, according to the "Individual Support Plan" drawn up in cooperation with the Accessibility Committee, pursuant to Article 8 hereof. For the data recording form for the Individual Support Plan, see Appendix I. 
  3. SwD have the right to protection of privacy and confidentiality of their personal data, which are managed exclusively by the competent bodies in accordance with current legislation. 
  4. SwD bear the same academic obligations as the rest of the Department's students, including attending classes, participating in educational and research activities, completing assignments, and complying with study regulations. 
  5. The adjustments provided by the Department and the Committee aim exclusively at ensuring equal learning opportunities and do not waive the essential academic requirements of the courses and curricula. 

Article 8: Reception of New Students with Disabilities (SwD)

  1. After completing their registration in the Department of Theatre Studies, new SwD are invited to contact the Accessibility Committee to declare any support needs. 
  2. The reception process includes: 
    • a) Submission of a diagnosis from a public body certifying the disability and/or special educational needs. 
    • b) Conducting an initial interview/completing a questionnaire with a member of the Committee, in person or remotely, to record individualized needs. 
    • c) Drafting an "Individual Support Plan," in which the provided accommodations and services are recorded. 
  3. The Committee, with the student's consent, confidentially informs instructors and competent administrative staff about the necessary adjustments. 
  4. At the beginning of each academic year, the Committee organizes an informative reception event for new SwD, aiming to familiarize them with the services, infrastructure, and support capabilities offered by the Department. 
  5. The implementation and effectiveness of support measures are reviewed every semester in cooperation with the SwD. 

Article 9: Course Attendance and Participation in Workshops

  1. SwD have the right to equal participation in all courses, theoretical and workshop-based, of the Department of Theatre Studies. 
  2. The Committee ensures, in cooperation with instructors, the adjustment of the educational process where necessary, to facilitate the active participation of SwD. 
  3. In courses with mandatory attendance or practical workshops, the attendance of SwD is recorded according to current study regulations. If the nature of the disability or serious illness makes it difficult to fully cover the required hours, a special attendance arrangement may be granted, following a documented request by the SwD and a recommendation by the Committee, which is approved by the Department's General Assembly. 
  4. The special attendance arrangement may include: 
    • a) Partial exemption from mandatory physical presence, with equivalent alternative activities. 
    • b) Extension of time for completing workshop or practical activities. 
    • c) Provision of supportive technological means for attendance and participation. 
  5. In any case, SwD must meet the learning and assessment requirements of the courses, as these are shaped based on the appropriate adjustments. 

Article 10: Conduct of Examinations for SwD

  1. SwD have the right to participate equally in all forms of examinations of the Department of Theatre Studies. 
  2. Requests for special exam arrangements must be submitted at least two weeks before the start of the exam period, to allow sufficient preparation time. 
  3. During the exams, the Committee cooperates with the instructors and the Secretariat to take the necessary adjustment measures to ensure full accessibility. 
  4. Adjustment measures may include: 
    • a) Extension of exam time. 
    • b) Conducting an oral instead of a written exam or vice versa, where required. 
    • c) Use of supportive technological means. 
    • d) Presence of an assistant. 
    • e) Accessible and appropriately configured exam spaces. 
  5. SwD are examined with priority to facilitate the process and ensure their seamless participation. 
  6. The necessary adjustments are determined for each SwD individually based on the "Individual Support Plan," following consultation with the Committee. 
  7. Responsibility for compliance with the above lies with the Department's Secretariat, the instructors, and the competent examination bodies, in cooperation with the Committee. 

Article 11: Staff Awareness and Training

  1. The Department of Theatre Studies ensures regular briefing and training of Faculty members (DEP), Special Education Staff (EEP), Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP), Special Technical Laboratory Staff (ETEP), and administrative staff on issues concerning the accessibility and inclusion of SwD. 
  2. Training may include: 
    • a) Informative conferences and seminars in cooperation with specialized bodies. 
    • b) Presentation of good practices and accessibility tools. 
    • c) Briefing on the institutional framework and staff obligations regarding the equal participation of SwD. 
  3. Staff awareness is an ongoing process integrated into the Department's quality policy, aiming to create an inclusive academic environment. 

Article 12: Collaborations

  1. The Committee cooperates with the corresponding units and services of the University of the Peloponnese, such as the Institution's Committee for Equal Access of People with Disabilities & People with Special Educational Needs, the Counseling and Psychological Support Office, libraries, and administrative services. 
  2. The Committee may develop collaborations with other university units in Greece and abroad, for the exchange of know-how and good practices in accessibility and inclusion issues. 
  3. It may cooperate with public bodies, local government, associations, and organizations of people with disabilities, as well as cultural and artistic entities, in order to enhance the equal participation of SwD in the educational, artistic, and social activities of the Department. 
  4. These collaborations aim to shape an open and inclusive university environment, enhance the Department's connection with society, and promote equal opportunities in higher education. 

Article 13: Updates

This Regulation may be modified and updated by decision of the General Assembly of the Department of Theatre Studies, according to the needs of SwD and institutional developments. 

 

Appendix I: Data recording form for the individual support plan
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