Disability

In an effort to make studying and working accessible for all, FAU implements the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, for education see in particular Article 24, 2009, link to 2017 version), the recommendations passed by the German Rectors’ Conference (2009), the resolution of the German Student Services (2010), and the Bavarian Inclusion Guidelines (Bayerische Inklusionsrichtlinien, 2019). FAU’s aim is to allow people with a disability or a chronic illness to study and work on an equal footing with others without being subjected to discrimination.

The goal of the project “Inclusion at FAU” (2019-2022) is not only to develop a concept for inclusion, but also a digital format for accessibility at FAU which will encourage the independent mobility and independence of people with disabilities.

According to the 21st special survey conducted by the German National Association for Student Affairs (2016), 11 percent of students in Germany have a disability that affects their studies. The special survey called “beeinträchtigt studieren 2” carried out by the German National Association for Student Affairs provides key findings about the situation of students with disabilities (see Poskowsky et. al. 2016, p. 2ff).

For around 96 percent of students who took part in the survey, their disability is not noticeable at first glance.
For 53 percent of those surveyed, their mental disability affected their studies the most, for 20 percent it was their chronic somatic disorder (chronic pain, rheumatism), for 6 percent other long-term illnesses/disabilities (e.g. tumor diseases), for 4 percent it was their specific learning disability (e.g. dyslexia), for 4 percent their impaired mobility, for 3 percent their visual impairment, and for 3 percent their speech and hearing impairment.
Above all, the demands in terms of organizing one’s studies, attending laboratory courses, placements/internships and excursions, social interaction, communication at university, and how classes and examinations are designed are very challenging for those affected.
Only 29 percent of the students surveyed applied for compensation for disadvantages (additional time, extension of examination deadlines, etc.). Students refrained as firstly, they believed they were not eligible, secondly, they did not want any special treatment, and thirdly, because they did not want their disability to become public. (cf. ibid.)

The results illustrate how vital it is to provide information and advice to teaching staff and students.

More information on compensation for disadvantages and studying with a disability or chronic illness can be found here.

For advice about compensation for disadvantages, please contact

Dr. Jürgen Gündel

FAU’s Liaison Officer for Students with Disabilities

phone: 09131 85-24051
E-Mail: juergen.guendel@fau.de
Halbmondstraße 6-8, room: 1.032, 91054 Erlangen