Abstract:

A year ago began in the National University of Asunción the project "Advisor for Development and Implementation of a Service Center for Persons with Disabilities at the National University of Asunción (UNA)" leading to the first steps of the National University of Asunción Inclusive. The project integrates the commitment of the rectorate and the work of a multidisciplinary team for this purpose.

The roadmap of the project was carried out according to the work plan. The proposed objectives have become the expected results: a) an office of care for people with disabilities, b) removal of architectural barriers and actions for accessibility, c) support and assistance material for students with disabilities, d) assessment of resources and level of training about the use of ICT(Information Communication Tecnlogies) for Persons with Disabilities in the vicinity of Asunción, e) National University of Asunción Inclusive website (http://www.una.py/unai).

The information and communication technologies (ICT) play an important role in this project. They are present in our society and offer a challenge to people with disabilities. The today’s student profile must have an ICT literacy. The new profile of students with disabilities may increase the potential of their capabilities and reduce functional limitations.

The activities conducted in the project include, among others, workshops for students and for the families of students and teachers, theater actions of students with disabilities for students, information and documentation, informative interviews with students with disabilities, polls to students, and a report on the attention to diversity at the University of the Basque Country as a co-participant in the project. The website Unai (National University of Asunción Inclusive) collects and records all actions performed.

The project after a year of work ends. It has been supported by two institutions: the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), the Call for Aid for Interuniversity Cooperation Program and Scientific Research, and the Competitive Grants Itaipu Scholars for Project Social Return Implementation.

Today the National University of Asunción Inclusive is more than a project. It is a reality that is settling in classrooms, in offices, in hallways, in the gardens, on the campus, in homes and in the society. The collective awaraness that has developed on faculties, on teachers, on students and workers makes a tractor power to continue taking their final steps toward inclusion of persons with disabilities in UNA. The way of employment and social inclusion of students of UNA is closer.

The experience has been built on different agents, policies and resources. The results will be consolidated with new facts and supports. The National University of Asunción Inclusive will continue to grow and can be a reference for other educational institutions of the country.

Keywords:

Inclusion, Disability, University, Information and Communication Technologies.