Just Like Everyone Else

Please note

Counseling is confidential and solutions-oriented and takes place by email, phone, (Zoom) video or in person.

Studying with health impairments

Students who are impaired in their studies due to a disability or a chronic-somatic, neurodivergent, mental illness and/or a partial performance disorder can find counselling and support from the Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses.

Who can receive counseling?

  • Do you have long-term health impairments, e.g. due to a chronic, neurodivergent or mental illness (Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder or similar), a partial performance disorder (e.g. dyscalculia, dyslexia) or a (severe) disability?
  • And are you unsure about whether and how you can manage both your health and your studies?
  • Or has your health condition already caused problems or made your studies more difficult in the past and you would like to know what accommodations are available for you during your studies?
  • Do you need accessibility accommodations for your coursework and examinations?

A wordcloud composed of words relevant to the topics disability and chronic illness
© Marion Becker

Contact Information

If you answered “yes” or “maybe” to one or more of these questions and would like further information, please contact me, the Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses, and I will be happy to provide counseling and support for your concerns. The counseling is confidential and solution-oriented with the goal of self-determined and successful studies - with or despite a disability or chronic illness! Simply send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you would prefer to talk over the phone, please include your phone number and when you can be contacted in your email and I will be happy to call you.

31.444

Students

24%

with health impairments

16%

with impairments that make their studies more difficult

Source: Student statistics University of Bonn | 22nd Social Survey of the DSW

01.

Do you have health impairments?

Experience has shown that not all people with long-term health impairments consider themselves “disabled” and that they try, in some cases with great effort and energy, to live as “normal” a life as possible. They try not to stand out and are reluctant to accept counseling or support services, sometimes due to fears of exclusion or negative consequences. Although this can lead to success, it mostly just makes things much more difficult than they need to be, increases the level of stress and ignores opportunities and rights to which they are actually entitled.

02.

Acceptance of health conditions

Because chronic illnesses, mental health issues, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or other long-term impairments are forms of disability and affect people’s studies just as much as physical and sensory impairments, but in a different way. It is often difficult for teachers, counselors, fellow students and perhaps even you yourself to recognize this or appreciate its consequences.

03.

Official recognition

“Disability” also has a much broader meaning for your studies than the “officially recognized severe disability” defined in labor law. Recognition or possession of a severe disability ID card can therefore be helpful when applying for support during your studies, but is not absolutely necessary.

04.

Obtaining information

The following information is therefore provided to give you a brief overview of selected topics.

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Obtaining information before applying

Prospective students with health impairments can obtain information about the admission rules and the special applications that are available when applying for admission before they submit their applications.

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Counseling during your studies

Students whose studies are being adversely affected by a disability respectively a chronic physical illness and/or mental health issues can get help and advice from the Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses (Disability Representative).

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Marcus Aurelius von Pexels

Accessibility accommodations

Accessibility accommodations ensure equal opportunity for students when barriers prevent them from independently determining the course of their studies.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
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Legal framework, definitions

Inclusion does not occur without laws. The legal framework provides information on the conditions and rights that make inclusion possible.

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Specific information and services

To ensure that you receive the best possible support during your studies at the University of Bonn, additional answers and services for specific questions and needs are provided below.

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Informational material

Many PDF documents providing detailed information for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses are available here.

Leave of absence

A “semester on leave” is possible for various reasons and is particularly recommended in the case of long-term health conditions that prevent students from attending courses and completing the expected coursework.

Contact

Avatar Becker

Marion Becker

Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses

53012 Bonn

Contact

Appointments must be made in advance

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