Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies Inclusion Policies

Inclusion Policies

The University of Florence promotes a model of inclusion based on the recognition of diverse learning needs and on the removal of barriers that may hinder full access to university life.

Inclusion policies are structured around several key strategic directions:

• promotion of inclusion for students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), and other special educational needs, through guidelines aimed at ensuring equity and full participation;
• development of accessible teaching, with particular attention to Universal Design for Learning and the adoption of inclusive methodologies;
• enhancement of the presence of international students and promotion of their integration within the academic environment;
• attention to situations of vulnerability, through policies that take into account different personal, social, and economic conditions.

A defining feature of this model is the adoption of a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, also reflected in the structured collaboration with the Regional Reference Centre for Relational Criticalities (CRCR) of the Careggi University Hospital. This collaboration represents a strategic choice by the University to integrate administrative, educational, and clinical-specialist expertise in the development of inclusion policies and interventions.

At the international level, the University of Florence recognizes inclusion as an integral part of its internationalization processes. In this perspective, in January 2020 the University joined the Manifesto of the Inclusive University, promoted by UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency, committing to support access to higher education and research for refugee students and to uphold academic freedom for researchers and academic staff under international protection.

In line with these commitments, the University promotes policies aimed at welcoming and supporting participation of international students and those from migrant backgrounds, also through participation in national and international programmes, including the UNICORE – University Corridors for Refugees project.

These policies define the strategic framework within which services and operational initiatives dedicated to inclusion are developed.