The right to adaptations is laid down in the Act on Equal Treatment on the grounds of disability or chronic illness (WGB). This Act stipulates that the educational institution may not discriminate between students with and without disabilities in:
- access to education
- the provision of education
- taking tests
- concluding education
The law does not provide a list of possible adjustments, but indicates that a student is entitled to facilities that help him to successfully complete his studies. These facilities may not place a disproportionate burden on the educational institution.
An adaptation is effective if it is appropriate and necessary to remove the intended barriers. An adaptation is appropriate if it can remove barriers of any kind and promote the independence and full participation and integration of a person with a disability or chronic illness. An adaption is necessary if another, possibly less costly, facility cannot achieve the same goal.
Exemptions
For students with disabilities, the content of the study will not be adjusted. Thus, a student cannot graduate if he has taken fewer subjects, does not master all core competences or misses credits. However, the student is entitled to adjustments that ensure the study becomes studyable for the student. This is not about 'less' but 'different'.