Obstacles faced by students with a chronic illness

As a student with chronic fatigue or a lack of energy, you may find yourself facing a variety of obstacles:

• Lack of energy. Your lack of energy makes it difficult to complete an educational programme. Travelling to your educational institution drains your energy as well. As a result, you may have trouble concentrating and remembering things.
• Concentration problems. You have a hard time staying focused on a task and are easily distracted. You would like to receive tips and support to help you focus on your classes and successfully complete your assignments.
• Planning and organising. You are not sure where to start and have a hard time planning ahead. You are unsure what you should do when and would like help in this area.
• Problems with an internship or a job. When you have a chronic illness, it can be difficult to find – or keep – an internship or job. You cannot always show up when you are supposed to. Effective communication and solid agreements are important to make this process go smoothly.
• Problems with tests/exams or in class. You find it nearly impossible to sit still and concentrate in class or during a lengthy test. You need adjustments in order to take the test or attend class in a way that works for you.
• Problems with the attendance requirement. Because of the symptoms you experience, you are not always able to attend class. You may also be absent due to doctor's appointments or medical treatments or because you are in hospital.

Support and facilities for students with chronic illness(es)

A variety of adjustments and/or facilities are available that may be helpful to you during your degree programme at a research university or university of applied sciences. While there are national schemes, your educational institution will offer its own forms of additional support, too.

• Adjusted class schedule. Discuss possible adjustments with your study adviser or student counsellor. You may be able to space out the required courses over a longer period of time, or the attendance requirement for some courses could be relaxed. If possible, you could watch the lectures by video link or ask that they be recorded for you.
• Testing facilities. You may find it helpful to have extra time to take your tests or exams, to use a laptop or to space them out over a longer period of time. You can also discuss the possibility of alternative forms of assessment, such as doing a take-home test rather than a written test on site.
• Extra time to complete your studies. You should meet with your study adviser to discuss your options. If you incur a study delay due to special circumstances, you can also apply for a performance grant from the Education Executive Agency (DUO) (submitted via the student counsellor). The grant extends the period for which you receive student finance.
• Financial schemes. A number of financial schemes are available for students who incur a study delay or are unable to have a part-time job due to their disability. Click the link to see which schemes you might be eligible for.

Have a look at the other facilities that might be helpful for you, too.

Through the tool 'Hulpwijzer'[Help Guide], you can find organisations that have expertise on your support needs. Check out the possibilities.