At a special ceremony held in Sharjah on March 8, American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Engineering and Science Building (ESB) was awarded a Silver Ranking on successfully meeting the World Disability Union’s (WDU) standard certification requirement. The recognition makes ESB the first educational institution facility worldwide to meet WDU requirements.
The special ranking signifies that the ESB is recognized as a physical environment that is suitable for people with disabilities and is properly designed and equipped to offer them a comfortable and friendly experience.
As an integral part of the university’s sustainable campus development plans, all newly constructed and renovated buildings and facilities on campus are designed to meet the highest standards in order to ensure that all the needs and requirements of individuals with disabilities are catered to.
“We are very pleased to receive this certification by WDU. It is encouraging to see that our commitment to making our campus a welcome, friendly and inclusive environment for all members of the community is appreciated and recognized by external entities as well,” said Dr. Jeannette Vinke, Chief Operating Officer of AUS.
The ESB has previously garnered acclaim with Estidama, a sustainable development initiative of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, awarding it a 2 Pearl rating. In 2015, AUS also won the Green School category at the Emirates Green Building Council awards for its Campus Service Center.
Based in Turkey and Germany, with a regional head office in Sharjah, WDU is active in 88 countries around the world and includes 150 sub-organizations under its umbrella. It has awarded certificates to institutions located all over the world, from Sweden and Georgia to Nepal and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.