Autonomy and Disability

A Proactive and Inclusive Policy

Since 2015, Mines Saint-Étienne has implemented a proactive policy for the inclusion of people with disabilities, establishing itself as a handi-friendly school across its campuses.
By renewing its commitment in 2019 through the 2nd Disability Charter of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), the school reaffirmed its dedication to providing high-quality support, integration, and accessibility for students and staff with disabilities.
This commitment is reflected in:

  • Tailored pedagogical and technical accommodations to meet individual needs.
  • Innovative initiatives, such as disability awareness modules integrated into curricula, ensuring that future engineers are sensitised to disability challenges.
  • A culture of inclusion, driven by collaborative projects involving students, staff, and partners.

Through these actions, Mines Saint-Étienne continues to foster an inclusive environment, ensuring equal opportunities and promoting diversity.

Disability Charter of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles

Commitment and Synergy: A Comprehensive Approach

To achieve its goals, Mines Saint-Étienne relies on the synergy between the school’s Autonomy & Disability Commission, the Humani Mines association (founded by students in the Civil Engineering programme), and educational projects directly involving students. Together, these actors work to create an inclusive environment where disability is actively and thoughtfully addressed.

Integrated Actions and Awareness in Curricula

The school’s strategy is based on integrating innovative disability-related educational initiatives into the training of future engineers. Each initiative includes two key components:

  • Cutting-Edge Technologies
    Technological innovations capture students’ interest and serve as a foundation for practical solutions to improve accessibility and autonomy.
  • Social and Human Aspects
    A strong emphasis is placed on understanding social issues, ensuring that future engineers and managers are aware, responsible, and engaged in fostering inclusivity.

The Handi’Tech Day is a flagship example of this approach, held annually for the three ICM cohorts, as well as for school staff, higher education institutions in the region, and local and national partners.
For the past 10 years, the event has covered a wide range of key topics, including:

  • Cystic Fibrosis and Associated Care (2015)
  • Deafness & Cochlear Implants (2016)
  • Amputation and Assistive Devices (2017)
  • Autonomy and Independence (2018)
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / ALS (2019)
  • Donation (Bone Marrow, Blood, Platelets, Organs) (2020)
  • Pain: Sensory and Emotional Experience (2022)
  • Sleep & Disability (2024)
  • Language (2025)
  • Mutilated bodies: cross-perspectives on realities, challenges, and possibilities (2026)

Educational Modules and Additional Training

Mines Saint-Étienne also offers modules and training programmes that allow students to deepen their understanding of disability, including:

  • Citizen Projects (ICM) & “Ingénieur Solidaire en Action” (ISMIN)
    These hands-on projects encourage students to develop solutions related to disability, fostering innovation and social responsibility.
  • Handi Manager Label
    A certified training programme by AFNOR, delivered by Companieros, “The School of Meaningful Work”. This certification is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of inclusive management.
  • Intercultural Perspectives on Disability Module
    This module explores cultural differences in the perception of disability, addressing themes such as the distinction between being Deaf and hearing, as well as the challenges of autonomy for individuals with Down syndrome. It also includes a ‘Myths and Realities’ section on mental health, aimed at deconstructing stereotypes and raising awareness about the stigma surrounding psychological disorders. This module encourages participants to challenge prejudices and promote inclusion in both their personal and professional lives.

Active Learning and Industry Partnerships

The pedagogical approach at Mines Saint-Étienne is designed to empower students as drivers of their own learning journey throughout their studies:

  • Design thinking and creativity
    Methods such as design thinking are integrated into the programmes, fostering solutions that are technically feasible, economically viable, and tailored to user needs.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
    Partnerships with healthcare, education, and non-profit organisations expose students to real-world challenges, fostering teamwork and innovation.
  • Handi’Tech Day
    An annual event bringing together experts from various fields, breaking down academic silos to better address diversity and inclusion through conferences, workshops, and exhibitions.
  • Cooperation Networks
    Active participation in collaborative projects such as hackathons, video competitions, and citizen projects, offering diverse perspectives on disability while developing practical skills.

Enhancing Awareness and Understanding of Disability Challenges

These initiatives promote a better understanding of disability, both on campus and beyond. By increasing the visibilityof these efforts, students are better prepared for their future leadership roles, with a strong awareness of the realities and challenges related to disability in the workplace.

Strategic Networks and Partnerships

In addition to being part of IMT, which implements an ambitious disability inclusion strategy, Mines Saint-Étiennecollaborates closely with networks and partners to promote inclusion, including:

Campus Accessibility

Ensuring the accessibility of buildings is a key priority for Mines Saint-Étienne:

  • Saint-Étienne Campus
    The historic 1927 building has been renovated to include access ramps, elevators, and adapted signage, thanks to financial support from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. Additional accessibility features, such as hearing loops, have also been installed.
  • Aix-Marseille-Provence Campus & Campus Santé Innovations
    These newer sites have been designed and built in full compliance with modern accessibility standards.

A Recognised and Valued Commitment

The inclusive approach of Mines Saint-Étienne has been praised by its partners and networks, further strengthening the school’s attractiveness and encouraging continued progress in this area. Through its diverse initiatives and strong strategy, the school has positioned itself as a leader in disability inclusion in higher education, while fostering new connections with institutions and companies that share this vision.

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