I am a student who has a motor impairment, uses a wheelchair, has RSI or has a musculoskeletal disorder
When you have a physical disability, this can have a negative effect on your studies. For instance, a building at your educational institution may not be accessible to you. It is also possible that you will be unable to attend all the lectures, for instance if you suffer from a lack of energy. This may result in a study delay.
This is what I deal with
Obstacles faced by students with a physical disability
- Problems with getting places/physical accessibility. Is your educational institution not designed in an accessible way, for instance because there is no lift? In that case, you can request certain adjustments.
- Lack of energy. You often experience a lack of energy as a result of your condition. This may negatively impact your ability to keep up with course work, attend lectures and take exams.
- Problems with the attendance requirement. You cannot always be present for lectures, either due to fatigue or because you have a doctor’s appointment or hospital visit.
- Housing-related problems. You may need adjusted housing or a modified student room.
Even though these obstacles may cause difficulties, you can rest assured that more than enough tools and solutions are available 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. If your specific obstacle is not mentioned above, please refer to the comprehensive list of obstacles.
This is what I might need
Support and facilities for students with a physical disability
- Educational aids. This might include a laptop or text-to-speech/dictation software. There are also facilities for adjusted testing, such as extra time or a larger font. Examples of educational aids can be found on this page under ‘Tips’.
- Study materials. Maybe you need support in the form of accessible study and course materials.
- Adjusted study schedule. You might need extra time in order to compete your degree programme. It is good to be aware that financial schemes are available in the event your study progress is delayed as a result of your disability.
- Financial schemes. Your hearing impairment might cause you to incur a study delay or prevent you from holding a part-time job. A variety of financial schemes are available from the Education Executive Agency (DUO), the municipality in which you live and your educational institution.
Have a look at the other facilities that might be helpful for you, too.
Tips
Inform the educational institution of your physical disability early on
It can be helpful to share information about your need for support before you begin your degree programme. That way, you and a study adviser can come up with agreements to help you be as successful as possible in your studies.
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 coordinator or confidential 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.
Ondersteunende technologie en specialistische dienstverlening
- Babbage offers solutions for people with motor disabilities in work, study or home situations. They do this by deploying assistive technology and specialist services.
- Visio launches SenseMath: an app that makes mathematical functions audible. Read more about this tool on www.visio.org/sensemath, watch the video about SenseMath on YouTube.
- Adapted books from Dedicon. Dedicon can convert schoolbooks into many different reading formats, for example braille. Or they can make an Edu-text file of the book, so that you can read it with a screen reader.
- Test facilities. For a test you may be able to get extra time and/or an enlarged version of the test. Your educational institution may have individual rooms that you can use. You can also ask if you can use your own laptop to take an exam, or a laptop from your educational institution with the software you need. Perhaps written exams can be taken orally. Discuss this with your study supervisor.
- The OrCam is an innovative mini camera that makes inaccessible information instantly accessible. It allows you to read texts on the digiboard, but it can also help you find your way around the buildings of your educational institution. Check with the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) whether the OrCam can be (partially) reimbursed under the heading of 'workplace adaptation'.
Organisaties
Through the tool 'Hulpwijzer'[Help Guide], you can find organisations that have expertise on your support needs. Check out the possibilities.