Characteristics of chronic joint problems
When you have chronic joint problems, it may be difficult for you to move or to do so without pain. This can make it difficult for you to move from one classroom or lecture hall to another. Things like carrying your textbooks, using stairs, concentration problems due to fatigue and not being able to write (or write for a long time) can present obstacles as well. You may also experience stiffness and fluid retention, especially after sitting still in the classroom or lecture hall for a long time.
This is what I deal with
Obstacles faced by students with a chronic illness
As a student with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or other joint problems, you may find yourself facing a variety of obstacles:
- Problems with tests/exams or in class. Your symptoms may make it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time. As a result, you may have difficulty taking tests or exams or attending classes.
- Problems with the attendance requirement/fixed schedule. A degree programme often involves an attendance requirement. Because of your illness, you might not always be able to attend your classes.
- Lack of energy. You may often feel tired. You may encounter obstacles in your studies or internship as a result.
- Money problems. Not everyone can have a part-time job in addition to their studies.
- Transportation problems. The symptoms you experience might make accessible/modified transport necessary or mean that you need to park your car close to your educational institution or internship.
- Housing-related problems. Do you plan to live in student housing? If so, you might – due to your chronic illness – need specially modified housing.
- Problems using a computer. Because of your chronic illness, you may need certain aids in order to use a computer effectively.
- Problems with getting places/physical accessibility. Are the buildings at your educational institution not designed in an accessible way, for instance because there is no lift? In that case, it is important that you are well informed of the possibilities for accommodations.
Even though these obstacles may cause difficulties, educational institutions often provide tools and solutions that can help you successfully complete your degree programme. In the preceding section, click on the obstacle you are facing with which you could use some help. You can then read a lot more about that topic and find additional tips and tools.
This is what I might need
Support and facilities for students with chronic illness(es)
A variety of adjustments and/or facilities are available and may be helpful to you during your degree programme at a research university or university of applied sciences. While there are national schemes, your school will offer its own forms of additional support, too.
As a student with a chronic illness, you might have a need for the following:
- Extra time to complete your studies. As soon as possible, you should let your educational institute know that you will need extra time to complete your studies. In many cases, it is possible to obtain financial support when you have a study delay.
- More lenient attendance requirement. You should meet with your study adviser to discuss your options as soon as possible.
Have a look at the other facilities that might be helpful for you, too.
Tips
Do not wait to ask for help
Every student is different, and every individual needs a different type of help. It is important to explore the options and find what works for you. Do not be afraid to ask for help at the first signs of trouble. Asking for help is actually a sign of strength, because it lets others know how much you want to succeed in your degree programme. Talk to a study adviser for your programme and ask them about the possibilities available to you. It is a good idea to take a moment first to write down what you need and what kind of support you think would be helpful to you. You should immediately seek help if you run into obstacles to your education because of your special needs. Together, you can explore whether this might affect rules such as the binding study advice (BSA) or the attendance requirement and how they apply to you.
If you encounter obstacles in your education, do not wait to report them
If you run into obstacles as a result of your special needs, you can look at how this will affect rules such as the BSA or the attendance requirement together.
Do you have starting joint problems?
Go to the doctor well prepared. Map out your symptoms with the tool Reuma? (Dutch)
Organisations
Through the tool 'Hulpwijzer'[Help Guide], you can find organisations that have expertise on your support needs. Check out the possibilities.