Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) strengthened its disability-inclusive student support services through a two-day training programme aimed at improving the knowledge and competency of university counsellors.
The Inclusive Counselling Training: Counselling for Students with Disabilities was held from 23 to 24 June 2026, bringing together 32 counsellors and relevant staff from the UniKL Chancellery and its institutes nationwide.
Organised by UniKL’s Centre for Student Development (CSD), the programme equipped participants with practical approaches to supporting students with physical, sensory, cognitive and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The training addressed disability awareness, neurodiversity and intersectionality within student life, alongside counselling practices that can be adapted to individual needs.
Participants explored appropriate communication methods, therapeutic tools and affirmative counselling approaches designed to provide more accessible and responsive support.
Sessions also examined the legal and ethical responsibilities of university counsellors, including the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, institutional policies, students’ rights and the provision of reasonable accommodations in higher education.
A key component of the programme was a sharing session involving students with disabilities from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The session provided participants with direct insights into students’ experiences, the barriers they may encounter on campus and the forms of support that can improve their university experience.
The programme featured expertise from Major General (Rtd) Dato’ Yusri Anwar, Advisor to the IIUM Disability Services Unit, and Professor Dr Ruzita Mohd Amin, Head of the IIUM Disability Services Unit.
Participants also discussed collaboration between counsellors, academic staff, administrative departments and disability support services.
This cross-departmental approach is important in developing consistent university policies and ensuring that accessibility is embedded across teaching, learning and student services.
Through the training, UniKL counsellors are expected to apply more inclusive counselling practices, improve policy alignment and contribute to stronger institutional support systems for students with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.
The initiative reflects UniKL’s commitment to inclusive higher education, student wellbeing, equal educational opportunities and a supportive campus environment. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
