Disability Mission

Since 1995, Paul Valéry University has promoted an active accessibility to higher education policy for students with disability. 1999 saw the birth of the University’s first dedicated service for students with disability, with a Disability representative professor to organise and manage the service.
The law of February 11, 2005, rendered this innovative project official, legal and compulsory.

Born of the University’s strong will and commitment, the service is now an integral part of the Department of Study and Education (DES), which now manages student study. In accordance with the law, the DES, through this new, renovated department, is responsible for respect of “equal opportunities and treatment” for Disabled students: the Handi-Études, Service for Disabled Students, organises and provides support for disabled students.
Contact: handi.etudes@univ-montp3.fr

“A person with disability” signifies that the organisation of the environment and compensation are just as important as the medical deficiency causing the disability: equal opportunities means lifting the obstacles, facilitating life and conditions for study within the University, but also recruitment/job retention of staff with disabilities.

Paul Valéry University’s Disability Mission includes staff too: the Human Resources Department has its own disability correspondent, in charge of providing information to staff concerned, and managing compensatory aid and assistance and FIPHFP funding (Integration Fund for Disabled Persons in Public Service). Contact: veronique.cousot@univ-montp3.fr.

The objective of the new professor in charge of the Disability Mission, now reporting directly to the University President, is to foster inclusion for disabled persons and prevent disability-related discrimination and inequality.
Contact: sylvie.canat@univ-montp3.fr

On campus, the objective is to promote good community relations, a key priority for PVU, while making the campus fully accessible to all, or universally accessible. The project is supported by institutional missions of expertise and counsel, the implementation of the Public Register of Accessibility, and the Disability Road Map.
Off campus, the project provides solutions to the issues of inequality,  using “community spirit” to prepare future citizens and professionals to be community-minded, pro-active in combating discrimination, and mindful to those with disability, in the arts, sports and leisure.  The approach is deployed through awareness building, teaching and training courses with all partners, including the University research sector (PhD School 60, Santésih laboratory...)

The action is carried out in partnership with the network of higher education and research institute disability representatives, the CPU and Ministry Disability Mission, as well as School Boards and High Schools (previously attended by today’s students), and the Departmental Centre for Disabled Persons.