Visually impaired Applicant threatens to sue KNUST for withdrawing his admission twice

A visually impaired student sheds light on the ongoing struggle for disabled students and promises to sue KNUST for discrimination.

In a world that prides itself on advancements in inclusivity and equality, the recent incident involving Isaac, a visually impaired student, at the KNUST in Ghana, sheds light on the ongoing struggle for disabled students in accessing higher education without discrimination.

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Isaac’s journey from receiving his login pin and medical forms to facing an unexpected hurdle in his academic career is a poignant example of the challenges faced by students with disabilities.

A Promising Start

Isaac’s academic journey seemed to be on the right track when he received his pin for logging into KNUST’s virtual portals, alongside forms for medicals, indicating his preliminary acceptance into the institution for further studies.

His credentials were impressive enough to garner congratulatory messages and invitations from both the KNUST local chapter of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) and the Catholic Chaplaincy of the University.

This recognition was not just a formality but a testament to Isaac’s academic prowess and his potential contribution to the university community.

The Turning Point

However, the absence of an official admission letter, coupled with the university’s silence, left Isaac in a perplexing situation.

His suspicion of discrimination on the grounds of his disability began to take root, especially considering his previous achievements and qualifications.

Isaac, a visually impaired student already a Master of Science in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies from KNUST, had not only excelled in his studies but had also represented the university at a conference on inclusion and assistive technology.

His research on support services for pupils with low vision in pilot inclusive schools stood out as exemplary work, further highlighting the unjustifiable nature of his predicament.

Facing Discrimination

Isaac’s concerns about discrimination are not unfounded. Despite his clear indication of being visually impaired on the admission form, he suspects that his disability became a factor in the withdrawal of his admission.

This suspicion is aggravated by the fact that his credentials and previous academic performance more than qualify him for the program he applied to.

It is a situation that questions the university’s commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination, principles that are not only national but also global, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities.

Legal Recourse and University’s Response

Determined to fight for his rights, Isaac is considering legal action, relying on Ghana’s inclusive education act and the UN convention.

His struggle underscores a significant issue in the education system’s treatment of students with disabilities, revealing a gap that needs immediate addressing.

The university’s response, as provided by the University Relations Officer Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, attributes the mishap to an error in the automated admissions management system.

While this explanation refutes the notion of deliberate discrimination, it also highlights the need for a more careful and inclusive admissions process that ensures such errors do not disproportionately affect students with disabilities.

Isaac’s story is a clarion call for institutions like KNUST to re-evaluate their policies and practices regarding inclusivity and non-discrimination.

It is imperative that universities not only implement systems that prevent such oversights but also foster an environment where students, regardless of their disabilities, can pursue their dreams without fear of unjust treatment.

As society continues to advocate for equality and inclusion, it is crucial that our educational institutions lead by example, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed on an equal footing.

Isaac’s journey, fraught with obstacles, serves as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done in making education accessible and equitable for all.

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