Supporting students with disabilities

Disability Support Services

At Ateneo de Manila University, several offices work together to provide extensive support to students with disabilities. This approach is all-encompassing and aims to assist students with a variety of disabilities, including those with special needs, physical impairments, and mental health difficulties. The university's dedication to the Ignatian principle of cura personalis is reflected in its efforts to cultivate an environment where every student can mentally and physically flourish, guided by its Catholic, Ignatian, and Filipino values.

Office of the University Physician

Highlighting the critical role of the University Physician's office as the central hub for health services, the Office of Health Services (OHS), under the broader Mission and Integration cluster of Health, Care, and Wellness (HCW), serves as the primary provider of health services to students. Additionally, the OHS is vital in addressing student disability-related concerns while ensuring faculty members are adequately prepared and equipped to manage classroom environments effectively. 

Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (OADSA)

Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC)

Students with special needs benefit from specialized services provided by the Office of Guidance and Counseling. These services ensure timely interventions and follow-up support.

Ateneo Bulatao Center

Affiliated with the Psychology Department, the Ateneo Bulatao Center provides counseling and psychotherapy services tailored to individual needs, as well as free online counseling for Filipinos. It also conducts training and research to advance mental health practices.

Office of the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Education

For graduate students, Ateneo offers various scholarships, including the Tuition (20%) Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities, to reduce financial barriers and promote diversity. see Tuition Scholarship for PWDs.

External funding opportunities, such as the AUN-DPPnet Postgraduate Scholarship, support disabled individuals from ASEAN countries in pursuing postgraduate studies related to public policy. For more information, see AUN Disability and Public Policy Network (AUN-DPPnet)

The University adheres to Admission Testing Guidelines for Accommodation of Applicants with Special Needs, which are aligned with international and national laws such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. These ensure equal access to education and prohibit admission discrimination based on disability. Additionally, the CHED Manual of Regulations maintains academic freedom while ensuring open admission to all students not disqualified by law or policy. Ateneo de Manila University also complies with the Data Privacy Act, safeguarding the rights of individuals, including those with disabilities. For more details, refer to the Admission Testing Guidelines for Accommodation of Applicants with Special Needs.