AUTh: ‘Greek University Is Not Inclusive for People with Autism,’ Writes Asperger Student

In an open letter to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), addressed to Deputy Minister of Education Nikos Papaiwannou and AUTh Rector Professor Kyriakos Anastasiadis, student Giorgos Triantafyllou from the 8th semester of the Theater Department highlights the lack of inclusive infrastructure and insufficient support for students with disabilities. The student, who is on the autism spectrum, emphasizes his fragile mental state and the need for personalized inclusion, elimination of mandatory attendance, and examination adjustments. He calls for the creation of a disability support unit in universities and parallel support systems to prevent students from dropping out due to difficulties and financial constraints. The letter details his struggles, including sensory overload and social challenges, advocating for tailored education and communication methods. Following a meeting with the Deputy Minister, Triantafyllou expressed cautious optimism about potential institutional changes aimed at improving accessibility for all students with disabilities.