On the way to a "University for All

People with disabilities should have access to general higher education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis with others. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities commits the signatory states to this. More and more Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and public student service organisation (STWs) are taking on this task.

Creating fair study conditions

Structural, communicative, structural and didactic barriers still make it difficult for impaired students to study. Data show that impaired students take longer to complete their studies, interrupt their studies more often and change subjects or HEIs more frequently than their non-impaired peers.

HEIs and STWs have therefore agreed on measures to reduce barriers and to design appropriate provisions in their area of responsibility with resolutions of their respective general assemblies. The common goal is to realize equal opportunity access and study conditions for students with disabilities.

The implementation of these plans will depend on critical support from experts in the field, especially students with impairments and their interest groups.

Local representatives and specific counseling centers

In 2011, the nationwide survey conducted by the German National Association for Student Affairs (DSW) "Studying with Impairments" made it particularly clear that many of the students with impairments that make studying more difficult do not know or use their rights and the support services available. This applies to the instrument of compensation for disadvantages in the organisation of studies or in examinations as well as to the specific advisory services offered by the HEIs, the STWs or the student self-administration.

Almost all HEIs and many STWs have representatives and advisors with specific expertise on the topic of "studying with disabilities". They can provide targeted information and individual support and are obligated to maintain confidentiality in advising situations. They are also aware of the fear of stigmatization and discrimination, especially among students with imperceptible disabilities.

The tasks of the HEIs representatives also include bringing structural problems to the attention of the university management and, in the case of complex issues, consulting with those responsible in other areas - e.g. the BAföG office or the examination board. In addition, university teachers can turn to the representatives with questions.

Diverse support needed

As different as impairments can have an effect on studies, as different are the necessary reasonable arrangements: e.g. a barrier-free apartment, an examination disadvantage compensation or an internship abroad for a deaf student. Depending on their needs, students may have to rely on the support of the Studierendenwerk's dormitory administration, the department's examination board or the university's International Office in individual cases. This makes it clear: the realization of equal opportunity study conditions is not the task of individual representatives, but needs the support of all members of HEIs and STWs: the teachers, the administration and the students.

Information and Advice Center of the DSW

As a central competence center, the IBS supports actors and initiatives that strive to improve the study conditions of impaired students, especially the representatives and advisors in HEIs and STWs.