Counselling
Students with disabilities or chronic illnesses often need adapted study conditions to suit their disability, their needs and their individual situation.
As officer for students with disabilities, I am happy to support you with questions on these topics, among others:
- Admission
- Compensation for disadvantages
- Examination conditions
It is helpful if you contact me before submitting your application so that we can organise all relevant matters together at an early stage. You are welcome to make an appointment via our booking page for live counselling, by telephone (03375 508 534) or by email to katja.wenger(at)th-wildau.de.
Compensation for disadvantages in examinations
Many students are unable to complete the coursework in the prescribed manner or timeframe due to their disability. They need modified conditions in terms of time and/or form. This applies to all course assessments: in particular written examinations, presentations, oral examinations, term papers, reports and final theses.
In each case, the specific nature of the disability-related disadvantage and how it can be reasonably compensated for must be examined individually.
Who can apply for compensation for disadvantages?
Students whose impairment demonstrably corresponds to the definition of disability in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) can apply for compensation for disadvantages.
"Persons with disabilities are those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others." (A short-term illness does not justify a claim to compensation for disadvantages.)
The definition of the term does not differentiate between visible and non-visible disabilities. Consequently, students with chronic or mental impairments can also apply for compensation for disadvantages.
How do I apply for compensation for disadvantages?
1. Students submit an application for compensation for disadvantages to the responsible examination board and justify it with circumstances and experiences (e.g. also from their school days). It must be proven where there is a disadvantage in the given form of examination and which measure could compensate for this disadvantage.
2. Submission of a medical certificate to the responsible examination board. This medical certificate does not contain the exact diagnosis of the student. It provides detailed information about the effects of the illness or disability that is understandable for a layperson. This certificate serves as the most important basis for a decision on compensation for disadvantages, which should enable students with a disability to study according to their individual abilities. You can use the form/information sheet for medical professionals and psychotherapists to present to your doctor or psychotherapist for consultation.
What are the specific compensation for disadvantages options?
Below you will find examples of what a compensation for disadvantages can look like. This list can never be complete, as the compensation for disadvantages depends on the respective situation and is therefore always individualised.
Compensation for disadvantages related to examinations and written work:
- Time extension for written exams and assignments
- Extra room for the preparation of written examinations
- Provision of technical and/or personal assistance
Further Information
Compensation for disadvantages - fee exemption from the semester ticketOpen areaClose area
Students with disabilities and chronic illnesses can be exempted from paying a semester ticket fee if they are entitled to free transport according to their "Schwerbehindertenausweis" (German certificate of severe disability) or are unable to use public transport due to their disability.
Please submit a copy of your "Schwerbehindertenausweis" and the completed application for reimbursement of the semester ticket fee to the Finance Department.
Social counselling of the Studierendenwerk West:BrandenburgOpen areaClose area
The social counselling of the Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg supports students at the TH Wildau in clarifying all legal and social conditions associated with the student status.
In particular, expectant mothers, students with children, international students and students with disabilities can turn to the social counselling in confidence.
