Disabled students: Spain's university rules need teeth

Twelve months to act: universities across Spain must update their rules and put support services in place once a new student statute takes effect. In Madrid on 27 October 2026, the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI) welcomes the changes but warns that disabled students need help they can actually obtain.

The statute provides for changes to admissions and assessments, specialist support units and personal tutoring. It also covers placements, digital services, student accommodation and access to adapted transport. CERMI says inclusion must reach beyond teaching into the rest of university life, including student representation and activities.

But a right on paper may be hard to use. CERMI wants accessible ways to request support and adjustments, backed by specialist staff and enough funding. It warns that universities’ organisational limits, or teaching adjustments left to their discretion, could undermine equal opportunities.

The 12-month deadline runs from the statute’s entry into force. Universities also have six months to approve certain protocols where none exist. CERMI wants progress checked and disabled students and their representative organisations involved in that work.

Topics: Education · Social affairs

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com