QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026

Social Impact Equality

Indicator

EQ7.2 – Accessible Facilities and Support Services for People with Disabilities

The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) campus is designed to be an inclusive and accessible environment for all, including individuals with disabilities. With well-planned infrastructure, wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible facilities, and support services, UKM ensures that students, staff, and visitors with disabilities can navigate the campus with ease. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the university’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for education and participation in campus life.

Table ER3.1 : Summary of the accessible facilities and support services for people with disabilities at UKM.

No	Accessible Facilities And Support Services For Persons With Disabilities At UKM.
1	Existence of Disability Support Office : Disability Support And Services Unit (UPS-OKU)
2	Campus is easily accessible by persons with disabilities a) Mobile Van Service b) Accessible Toilets c) Disabled Parking Area d) Wide and Accessible door e) Ramps and Tactile Pathways f) Braille g) Accessibility Menu on UKM Official Website h) Sign Language Interpreter i) Library Service for Student with Disabilities
3	UKM offers on-campus accommodation a) Accessible Room
4	OKU Service for Convocation a) Wheelchair Assistance b) Guide and Escort Services
5	OKU Service for Examinations

Detail of the accessible facilities and support services for persons with disabilities at UKM is shown below:

1. Existence of Disability Support Office : Disability Support And Services Unit (UPS-OKU)

Link: https://www.ukm.my/pendaftar/ups-oku/

The UPS-OKU UKM was officially established on 12th December 2019 under the oversight of the Registrar’s Office, with full supervision by the Vice-Chancellor. The unit, located at Chancellery Building, Level 1, UKM was founded to ensure that students and staff with disabilities receive the assistance they need to succeed in both their academic and career paths at UKM.

Figure EQ7.1: UPS-OKU office at UKM.

Till 2024, all staff and students with disabilities were registered under UPS-OKU, representing various disability categories, including visual, hearing, physical, learning, and mental disabilities. The unit’s mission extends beyond just providing services; it is a vital support system that empowers individuals to overcome challenges and fully participate in university life.

Figure EQ7.2: This infographic outlines the functions of UPS-OKU at UKM

Core Functions of UPS-OKU:

Data Management: UPS-OKU collects and manages comprehensive information on all staff and students with disabilities, ensuring that their needs are met.
Reference for Academic and Infrastructure Support: The unit serves as a central reference point for staff, students, and visitors, ensuring that academic accommodations and infrastructural support are available as required. This includes collaborating with faculties to ensure accessible course materials and exam provisions.
Collaboration with External Entities: UPS-OKU builds strong relationships with government agencies, industry bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), creating pathways for additional resources and advocacy for the disabled community.
Awareness and Empowerment Programs: The unit regularly organises awareness campaigns and training programs within the UKM community to foster a culture of inclusivity, where all members understand and support the rights of people with disabilities.
Handling Complaints: UPS-OKU processes and resolves any complaints related to disability issues, ensuring that individuals’ concerns are heard and addressed promptly.

2. Campus is easily accessible by persons with disabilities

a) Mobile Van Service

UKM offers a mobile van service managed by Disability Support and Services Unit (UPS-OKU), Registrar’s Department, specifically for staff and students with disabilities. This seven-seater van, equipped with a wheelchair lift, facilitates easy transportation for wheelchair users and provides accessible transit within UKM’s campus and the Klang Valley area. The van’s maintenance is fully handled by UKM’s Vehicle Unit under the Registrar’s Department, ensuring its reliability and readiness to serve disabled users.

Figure EQ7.3: The van provides a wheelchair lift for wheelchair users

b) Accessible Toilets

Apart from transportation, UKM has also provided accessible toilets for disabled people. There are 76 accessible toilets across UKM until the year 2024, designed according to Universal Design and Accessibility Standards (MS 1184:2014). These facilities are located in key areas such as faculty buildings, residential colleges, and the main mosque.

Figure EQ7.4: Toilet for disabled people available at UKM

c) Disabled Parking Area

In 2024 UKM provided 57 parking spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities, situated near main entrances to make them easily accessible. These parking areas are clearly marked and located near faculties, libraries, and other major university buildings.

Access features for parking areas as below:

Located at the nearest entrance with signage @ on the pavement
Located at the firm and even ground
No obstruction such as chain and cone

Figure EQ7.5: Parking space for disabled person available at UKM

d) Wide and Accessible door

Many buildings at UKM have wide doorways at entrances and exits to accommodate wheelchair users or individuals with other mobility needs. These doors are typically designed to meet accessibility standards, ensuring easy passage without obstruction.

Figure EQ7.6: Wide door for wheelchair user available at UKM

e) Ramps and Tactile Pathways

UKM has ensured that ramps and tactile pathways are installed in all major facilities, including faculties such as entrances to lecture halls, libraries, administrative buildings and the main mosque, allowing wheelchair users and individuals with visual impairments to navigate the campus easily. Tactile pathways are designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate the campus independently. These pathways consist of raised surfaces that provide directional cues when felt underfoot or with a cane. These tactile guides are placed strategically around campus, leading to important areas such as entrances to buildings, key walkways, elevators, restrooms.

Figure EQ7.7: Special route and facilities for OKU and disabled at UKM

Figure EQ7.8: Tactile is available for disabled people at UKM Bangi

f) Braille

Braille is a tactile writing system used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It consists of raised dots arranged in specific patterns that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. UKM also provides braille especially in elevators around UKM.

Figure EQ7.9: Braille for visually impaired individuals in UKM

UKM has enhanced its official website (https://www.ukm.my/portalukm/) by upgrading the accessibility menu, making it more inclusive and user-friendly. The new accessibility features include options for dyslexia-friendly text, text spacing adjustments, contrast settings, cursor customisation, and the ability to pause animations. These improvements make it easier for people with various needs to navigate the website comfortably. The accessibility menu demonstrates UKM’s commitment to digital inclusivity, ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can access online information with ease.

Figure EQ7.10: Accessibility Menu on UKM Official Website

h) Sign Language Interpreter

As part of its commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting accessibility, UKM has made significant efforts to support disabled students and staff in their academic and professional journeys. The university provides sign language interpreters for individuals who are mute or deaf, including visible representation in UKM’s official song, Varsiti Kita. Furthermore, during every convocation session, a sign language interpreter is present, ensuring that all attendees, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can fully participate in and celebrate their achievements. Additionally, in any event or occasion where disabled staff or students are present, a sign language interpreter is provided. This inclusive approach demonstrates UKM’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for all members of its community.

Figure EQ7.11: The picture is from Varsiti Kita, UKM’s official song, features a sign language interpreter, highlighting UKM’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for the deaf community

Figure EQ7.12: The picture is from The National University of Malaysia Convocation Ceremony 52nd , features a sign language interpreter, highlighting UKM’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for the deaf community

i) Library Service for Student with Disabilities

The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Library is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for students with disabilities. Through specialized services such as book and article searches, information packages, and reader volunteer programs, the library ensures that all students can access academic resources with ease. Dedicated staff members are available to assist in research, reading, and locating materials, making learning more convenient and supportive for everyone.

Figure EQ7.2.13: This poster provides information about **Library Services for Persons with Disabilities (OKU)** at **Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)**

3. UKM offers on-campus accommodation

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides on-campus accommodation for its students, including those with disabilities (OKU). The university ensures that residential colleges are safe, accessible, and equipped with essential facilities to support students’ academic and personal needs. For OKU students, UKM offers priority housing with necessary accessibility features to create an inclusive living environment. Through the Student Housing and OKU Support Unit (UPS-OKU), the university continuously works to enhance accommodation facilities, ensuring that all students have a comfortable and supportive campus experience.

a) Accessible Room

Some residential colleges at UKM offer accessible dormitories with wide doorways, allowing wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges to move in and out of rooms comfortably. The rooms are furnished with accessible furniture designed to accommodate various types of disabilities, enabling students to use the facilities independently without assistance.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides a residential college for students including students with disabilities. UKM has 10 residential colleges in the Bangi Campus. Two residential colleges with accommodations suitable for students with disabilities are Ungku Omar College (KUO) (Figure EQ7.14) and Dato’ Onn College (KDO) (Figure EQ7.15). KDO has 1 room for male students and 1 room for female students while KUO has 3 rooms for male students and 3 rooms for female students.

Figure EQ7.14: Kolej Ungku Omar provide on campus accommodation for students with disabilities (https://www.ukm.my/kuo/)

Figure EQ7.15: Kolej Dato’ Onn provide on campus accommodation for students with disabilities (https://www.ukm.my/kdo/)

Figure EQ7.16: Kolej Aminuddin Baki provide on campus accommodation for students with disabilities
(https://www.ukm.my/kab/)

The room design for OKU or persons with disabilities requires consideration of accessibility, safety, and comfort. Here are key characteristics for such:

Accessibility

Wide Doorways: Minimum width of 900 mm to accommodate wheelchairs.
Level Entry: No steps; ramps with handrails for entry.
Clear Pathways: Adequate space for maneuvering wheelchairs (at least 1500 mm turning radius).
Adjustable Furniture: Beds and desks with adjustable heights.

Safety

Non-Slip Flooring: Use of anti-slip tiles or materials to prevent falls.
Grab Bars: Installed in bathrooms and near the bed.
Rounded Edges: Furniture with rounded edges to avoid injuries.
Emergency Systems: Accessible alarm systems and call buttons.

Comfort

Ergonomic Furniture: Designed for ease of use and support.
Climate Control: Easy-to-operate air conditioning or heating.
Adjustable Lighting: Dimmable lights or task lighting for specific needs.
Soundproofing: For individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Bathroom Features

Roll-In Shower: No curb, with a foldable seat and handheld showerhead.
Accessible Sink: Knee clearance underneath and lever-style faucets.
Low Mirror Placement: Tilted or height-appropriate mirrors.

These features ensure that the room is not only functional but also enhances the independence and dignity of the user.

Figure EQ7.17: Example of campus accommodation for students with disabilities with application that is OKU friendly

4. OKU Service for Convocation

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides services for persons with disabilities (OKU) during Convocation to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Some of the services available include:

a) Wheelchair Assistance

UKM provides wheelchairs for graduates or guests who need mobility support.
Dedicated personnel may assist in moving individuals within the convocation hall and surrounding areas.

Figure EQ7.18: Wheelchairs for students with disabilities during UKM Convocation

b) Guide and Escort Services

UKM assigns volunteers or staff to assist visually impaired graduates and those with other disabilities in navigating the venue.
Assistance is provided from entry points to the main hall, seating areas, and stage access.

Figure EQ7.19: Guide and escort services for students with disabilities during UKM Convocation

Source:

5. OKU Service for Examinations

The UKM Cakna OKU Club collaborated with the OKU Services & Support Unit UKM to assist students with special needs in sitting for their exams at the Chancellor Tun Abdul Razak Hall (DECTAR). Tan Guan You, a Bachelor of Law student, was assisted by Saudara Muhammad Aiman Najmi Mahadi as a volunteer to support the student with disabilities during the final examination for Semester 1, Academic Session 2023/2024. This volunteer service also provided an opportunity for UKM students to support those in need at this beloved university. It is hoped that the service provided will encourage students to continue helping those who require assistance.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/183p65pkLL/