Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The College is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and equitable access to education for all students, including students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The College seeks to support students in their learning through appropriate arrangements, while maintaining the academic and professional standards of its programmes.

For the purpose of support within the College, Special Educational Needs (SEN) may arise from a range of conditions or circumstances that affect learning, assessment, or participation in academic activities. These may include, but are not limited to, specific learning difficulties, attention deficit or hyperactivity conditions, autism spectrum conditions, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, speech and language difficulties, mental health conditions, chronic illness, or other health-related or functional needs.

Students who consider that SEN may affect their studies are encouraged to inform the College through appropriate channels, such as the Student Development Office, Programme Director, or other designated staff members, at an early stage. In addition, SEN information may be retrieved from EDB via the “Special Education Management Information System” (SEMIS). Early communication enables the College to gather necessary professional opinions to consider reasonable support arrangements in a timely and precise manner. Information provided by students will be handled with due regard to confidentiality and privacy. The College’s approach is consistent with the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination as promoted by the Equal Opportunities Commission.The College may consider reasonable accommodation to support students with SEN where appropriate and feasible. Such accommodation is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the SEN, the academic and assessment requirements of the programme, and any professional, practical, or placement-based components of study. Examples of reasonable accommodation may include adjustments to physical access and learning venues, teaching and learning arrangements, assessment conditions (such as private assessment venue and additional time), access to learning materials in advance, classroom seating arrangements, or the use of assistive technologies, where these do not compromise essential learning outcomes or professional requirements. Reasonable accommodation is intended to facilitate access to learning and assessment and does not involve exemption from essential learning outcomes, reduction of academic requirements, or lowering of assessment standards.

All students, including those receiving SEN-related support or accommodation, are required to meet the academic standards, learning outcomes, and assessment requirements of their programmes. Where programmes include professional, practical, or placement-based components, students are expected to demonstrate appropriate competence, conduct, and fitness for practice in accordance with programme requirements.

Students are responsible for communicating their needs in a timely manner, engaging with the support and guidance offered by the College, and managing their learning and wellbeing within the academic environment. The provision of support or accommodation does not guarantee successful completion of a course or programme.

Students who require support for SEN should contact Student Development Office on +852 38422810 or “sdo@gratia.edu.hk”.