On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Yarmouk University welcomed an academic delegation from Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman. The delegation visited to learn about the Faculty's experience in integrating students with hearing impairments into its fine arts programs within an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Ali Al-Rabiat, welcomed the delegation, which included Dr. Fakhriya Al-Yahya'i, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and supervisor of the project for admitting deaf and hard-of-hearing students; Dr. Najla Al-Sa'adi; and Dr. Suhail Al-Zu'bi. He emphasized the importance of the visit in strengthening academic cooperation and exchanging expertise, and commended the interest shown by educational institutions in the university's experience in this field.
Dr. Al-Rabiat explained that the Faculty prioritizes students with hearing impairments by providing accommodations that ensure a supportive learning environment, enabling them to pursue their studies and develop their artistic abilities. He noted that the university, through the Deanship of Student Affairs and the Department of Student Services for Students with Disabilities, provides comprehensive services including translation, academic support, and accompaniment for visually impaired students, in addition to maintaining infrastructure to facilitate their movement within the campus.
The delegation was received by the Dean of Student Affairs, along with several faculty and administrative staff members. Emphasis was placed on the college's adoption of an integrated approach that fosters an inclusive learning environment focused on discovering the talents of students from all backgrounds. The academic and artistic excellence of the department's students with disabilities, despite the challenges they face, was highlighted, making their experience a model to be emulated.
During the tour, the delegation visited the facilities of the College of Fine Arts, including the painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, and photography studios, as well as the exhibition halls and laboratories. They also received a briefing on the college's academic programs and creative activities. Dr. Mohammed Salem, Head of the Fine Arts Department, affirmed that the department's focus on deaf and hard-of-hearing students aligns with its strategic plan, which is based on establishing equal opportunities and providing an inclusive learning environment. This environment empowers students with hearing impairments to fully integrate with their peers and achieve academic and professional development, thus enhancing their active participation in the arts.
The visit also included a session where the delegation met with several students with hearing impairments who shared their academic experiences and the challenges they faced. The importance of continuing to provide an inclusive learning environment that enables students to develop their skills and achieve their aspirations was emphasized. The delegation concluded its visit with a tour of the Deanship of Student Affairs and the Disability Support Center. They also attended a sign language workshop and held an open meeting with deaf students to discuss the most prominent challenges and accommodations available to them. The delegation then enjoyed a musical performance by the students, which was well-received.
At the end of the visit, gifts and commemorative plaques, prepared by students of the Fine Arts Department, were exchanged between the two parties in appreciation of the academic and cultural relations between the two universities and the opportunities they offer for future cooperation. The delegation praised the capabilities and facilities provided by Yarmouk University, especially the translation services and academic support for students with disabilities, stressing that the experience constitutes a model to be emulated and will contribute to the development of similar programs at Sultan Qaboos University.
