Creating Space for Every Learner: Strengthening Accommodation Counselling at the National University of Mongolia

March 6, 2026

Creating Space for Every Learner

Strengthening Accommodation Counselling at the National University of Mongolia

Students with disabilities in Mongolia’s higher education system continue to face barriers that limit their full participation. Tackling these challenges requires not only individual support but also strong institutional systems that make learning environments inclusive by design.

This systems-change approach guides the work of B. Oyuntugs, Mongolia’s only Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor. Drawing on her experience navigating university with a visual impairment, she is committed to ensuring all learners can access education on equal terms. Her focus is on developing sustainable accommodation processes that are both practical for universities and meaningful for students.

Through UNDP’s "Promoting Participation Pathways for Human Development – 3P4D" project, her NGO Firefly House partnered with the National University of Mongolia (NUM) to pilot a more systematic model of educational accommodations, laying the foundation for long term institutional change. The initiative was among 19 grant projects supported through 3P4D’s civic participation grant scheme, three of which were led by organizations representing persons with disabilities, highlighting a strong commitment to inclusion.

With grant support, Firefly House worked closely with NUM to strengthen internal systems. The team reviewed four internal policy documents and provided recommendations to improve accessibility and accommodation systems. They developed accommodation notification, guidelines, and accompanying forms aligned with international best practices. They also conducted individual interviews with students with disabilities to identify necessary adjustments for classes and exams, communicated these accommodations to instructors, and guided the university’s staff members responsible for accommodations through hands-on practice.

NUM expressed that the project brought clear benefits to the university, including stronger processes, improved tools, and enhanced capacity to support students with disabilities. The institution highlighted the value of receiving professional, evidence based guidance and shared its commitment to further engaging with the recommendations. NUM also emphasized that these improvements were made possible through UNDP’s support, which enabled the partnership and technical collaboration.

The project also created momentum beyond NUM. After reviewing student cases prepared by Oyuntugs, an educational auditor proposed co organizing training for ISO 2025 lead auditors, demonstrating growing recognition of the importance of accessibility standards across the sector.

Oyuntugs emphasizes that sustaining accommodation services will require dedicated staff, reliable funding, and strong policy backing. Yet each step forward strengthens Mongolia’s progress toward a higher education system where every learner is empowered to succeed.