Serious allegations have been made against the University of Cyprus by the father of a student with a severe visual impairment, who claims that his daughter was subjected to long-term discrimination, unequal treatment and a failure to receive the reasonable accommodations required during her studies.
According to the complaint, despite repeated recommendations from specialists and competent authorities, the student did not receive the necessary support, resulting in her remaining unable to complete the practical training component of her programme, even though she successfully completed all of its academic coursework.
The complainant is calling for a full, independent investigation into the matter, alleging possible disability-based discrimination and violations of the principle of equal treatment.
In his letter, the father states that his daughter, throughout her studies, was supported by the Cyprus School for the Blind and repeatedly submitted medical reports, assessments and recommendations regarding the individual needs arising from her visual impairment. He argues that, despite repeated requests from the student herself, interventions by relevant bodies and scientific evidence presented to the university, the institution failed to implement the reasonable accommodations required for her specific circumstances.
He stresses that the provision of reasonable accommodations is not an act of goodwill but a fundamental obligation of educational institutions towards persons with disabilities. According to the complaint, recommendations from specialists, medical experts and the Cyprus School for the Blind were either ignored or not adequately considered, depriving the student of the support necessary to complete her studies on an equal footing with her peers.
The father notes that his daughter successfully completed all academic requirements of her programme and actively participated in her teaching practice, dedicating extensive time to lesson preparation and fulfilling her responsibilities. He argues that any difficulties she encountered were directly linked to her visual impairment and the absence of appropriate accommodations, rather than any lack of commitment or academic ability.
He further alleges that, instead of supporting a student striving to overcome the challenges posed by her disability, the University of Cyprus left her unable to progress in her practical training, jeopardising both the completion of her studies and her future professional prospects.
The complaint also raises concerns about what the father describes as unequal treatment, claiming that other students who either did not complete their practical training or failed to deliver required teaching sessions were nevertheless awarded, or are expected to be awarded, their degrees. In contrast, he argues, his daughter actively participated in her placement and fulfilled her responsibilities despite the difficulties arising from her disability.
In addition, the father alleges that his daughter was subjected to repeated incidents of dismissive, degrading and offensive behaviour by members of the academic staff. Complaints regarding these incidents were reportedly submitted to the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights. He claims that rather than being provided with a supportive and respectful environment, she faced further pressure and what he describes as victimisation linked to the exercise of her legal rights.
Concluding his complaint, the father calls for a full, independent and impartial investigation into the case, including an examination of the alleged refusal to provide reasonable accommodations, possible disability discrimination, unequal treatment and victimisation. He also seeks measures to remedy the alleged injustice suffered by his daughter and to ensure that no other student with a disability experiences similar treatment in the future.
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