About UiB Universal

To ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, educational institutions have an obligation to provide universal design (UD) for the overall learning environment and individual accommodation where necessary to compensate for difficulties. The legislation also guarantees this right for every student in this category and applies to all universities and colleges in Norway. The legal requirements are based on the University and College Act and the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act.

Action Plan for Inclusive Learning Environment and Universal Design

UiB has its own action plan for this work: Action Plan for Inclusive Learning Environment and Universal Design (Norwegian).

University and College Act

According to Section 4-3(2) of the University and College Act, the comprehensive learning environment should be universally designed, and the study situation should be adapted to students with special needs. However, the accommodation must not compromise the academic requirements of the study, as stated in Sections 4-3(c) and 4-3(d).

A comprehensive learning environment includes physical, digital, organizational, pedagogical, and psychosocial factors as part of the overall learning environment, as stated in Section 4-3(4).

University and College Act - Lovdata

Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act

In the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, Chapter 3, Universal Design and Individual Accommodation, Section 17-21 (the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act), it is stated that the organization has an obligation to provide universal design for the organization's general functions. Requirements for universal design are also addressed through planning and building regulations, as well as the Public Procurement Act.

In addition to the requirements set by the legislation regarding universal design of the surroundings, Section 19 of the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act states that there is an obligation to actively and purposefully work to promote universal design within the organization.

Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act (the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act) - Lovdata

Regulation on Admission, Studies, Assessment, and Degrees at UiB

Section 5-6 on adapted teaching states:

1. A student who, due to illness, injury, or other functional impairment, does not have nearly equal benefit from the teaching as other students, can apply for adapted teaching.

2. The accommodation should not reduce the academic requirements but should focus on the student's ability to achieve the learning outcomes in the subject or program. Measures for accommodation should be assessed in relation to the purpose and the institution's resources, in accordance with the rules on accommodation in the University and College Act. Applications should be directed to the faculty before the start of the semester or as soon as possible after the need arises.

Section 6-13 on accommodation in assessment

Section 4-5-1 on part-time studies

Regulation on Admission, Studies, Assessment, and Degrees at the University of Bergen - Lovdata (Norwegian)

• supports in demanding cases regarding accommodation and offers lending of assistive devices

• contributes to competence development in universal design

• leads the Network for Universal Design and Accommodation

• strengthens collaboration with external partners

• plans and conducts campaigns, information, and events related to universal design

• coordinates the work with accessibility declarations

• contributes to the modules of KUSK (Competence Development for Study Advisors)
• works closely with UPED (University Pedagogues) in the work of staff competence development
• leads projects focusing on universal design of learning materials
• collaborates closely with LMU (Learning Environment Committee)
• is responsible for student support; offers study assistants, personal and group leaders, and experience groups

• The main purpose of the network: Exchange of experiences to ensure the highest possible degree of equal treatment at UiB, in addition to competence development.
   
• The network is a crucial channel for UiB Universal to disseminate information to faculties and departments, and vice versa, as we gain necessary insights into the challenges faced by faculties/departments.
   
• UiB Universal is here to assist faculties and departments in demanding cases.
   
• UiB Universal leads this network, which consists of one representative from each faculty.

Iren Igesund has 10 years of experience in accommodating students with disabilities and has worked on learning environments and study quality for 9 years.

She has been part of UiB Universal since its inception in spring 2022.

Ellen Lien has been working in this field since 2019 and was the project leader for the project "The Path to Gold Standard," which resulted in the development of the Action Plan for Inclusive Learning Environment and Universal Design.

She has also been part of UiB Universal since its inception in spring 2022.

UPED Program for University Pedagogy | University of Bergen (uib.no)

Sammen Bergen (sammen.no)

NAV Assistive Devices and Accommodation - nav.no

HKdir/Universell - Universell.no