Enhancing Accessibility: Ateneo's Commitment to an Inclusive Campus for All

With the implementation of the Sustainability Policies and Specific Guidelines (v. 2024), the Ateneo campus has become increasingly accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs). The University upholds policies outlined in the Student Handbook, ensuring every student has access to facilities supporting learning inside and outside the classroom.

In line with this, Ateneo has installed ramps in various buildings, including the busy Science Education Complex. The Rizal Library in the First Pacific Building has been designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users, as is the long path leading to Leong Hall in the School of Social Sciences. Ramps are also available in other buildings, such as the student study hall Mateo Ricci. Additionally, nearly all buildings on campus now feature covered walkways as part of the university's phase 1 and 2 construction plans.

Furthermore, the Campus Facilities and Management Office has created designated PWD parking spaces in areas like the University Dormitory and Bellarmine Hall. Accessible parking is also available at the Gonzaga and SEC buildings. Elevators are installed in each building to assist students with mobility challenges, and many of them are equipped with Braille buttons for ease of use.

Lastly, chair lifts have been added to staircases on the ground floor, providing support for elderly faculty and students with mobility issues.

Centering Neurodivergence in Inclusive Support

Ateneo de Manila University places neurodivergence at the core of its inclusive education efforts, recognizing diverse ways of thinking and learning. Guided by cura personalis, the University provides a holistic system of support for neurodivergent individuals and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through student services, scholarships, and research.

Through the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC), Ateneo offers inclusive support for undergraduate and graduate students, including Neurodiverse Narratives, one-on-one counseling, and wellness programs such as Paws & Recharge, Blue Snooze, and CrEAte. These initiatives create safe, affirming spaces that support mental health, a sense of belonging, and personal development.

At the graduate level, Ateneo expands access through disability-inclusive scholarships, including the Tuition (20%) Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities and the AUN Disability and Public Policy Network (AUN-DPPnet) Scholarship, alongside other financial aid mechanisms.

Beyond campus, the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) advances research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while public initiatives such as “Getting to Know Neurodivergence” promote awareness and inclusive education.