DISABILITIES

What do we mean by a ‘disability’?

A disability is a limitation – mostly chronic – that hinders the student's ability to function.

Disabilities can be temporary, although they are mostly permanent. Many disabilities are not visibly apparent to others. Disabilities include:

  • visual disabilities (e.g. blindness, tunnel vision)
  • auditory disabilities (e.g. hearing impairment, deafness)
  • motor disabilities (e.g. paraplegia, post-traumatic dystrophy, RSI)
  • psychological disorders (e.g. anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders)
  • neurological disorders (e.g. dyslexia, autism, ADD/ADHD)
  • disabilities caused by chronic illnesses (e.g. rheumatism, diabetes, Crohn's disease, ME/CFS, asthma)

If you have a disability that hinders you in your studies, it is advisable to contact the student counsellor straight away regarding possible modifications and provisions. Each individual student and situation requires a tailor-made solution that – in compliance with the Equal Treatment Act (AWGB) – takes into account the fact that modifications/provisions must be suitable and necessary and have no disproportionately adverse effects on the programme.

Published by  Student Affairs 11 June 2015