Going to university or college

with a functional restriction

www.handicap-studie.nl

aan de binnenkant: handicap + studie 2008

INHOUDSOPGAVE

1. Going to college

2. Interview on admission

3. Full-time or part-time

4. Job prospects

5. Attending lectures

6. Practical, fieldwork and traineeship

7. Access to buildings
   Student accommodation

8. College life

9. Regulations and additional means

About handicap + studie
1. Going to college?

You can very well go to college or university if you suffer from functional restrictions or a chronic illness. If you are able to take an intermediate vocational, higher general secondary or pre-university certificate, a follow-up study is definitely a realistic option.

The Law on Equal Treatment because of handicap or chronic illness entitles your to special educational provisions. These provisions should enable students to complete their studies successfully. Examples of such provisions are additional time to complete exams, adjusted exams, alternative projects or flexible timetables. In principle every school, college or university must provide such special educational services if you make the request. Most educational institutes have a special student counsellor who knows everything about studying with functional restrictions.

You will find a list of these student counsellors at www.handicap-studie.nl in the section studeren > waar studeren. Make an appointment well before the Open Day. Discuss the changes and provisions you think you may require and ask what they can offer.

Apart from the general support colleges and universities provide there are all kinds of special provisions to finance studies, aids and tools. In this brochure we have listed the major regulations. You will also find tips and advice on how to make your study or course a success.

In this brochure we use the word functional restriction to indicate physical and psychological functional disorder, chronic illness and dyslexia.

2. Interview on admission

During an interview on admission with the student adviser or counsellor of the institute you have the opportunity to inquire at an early stage about the consequences of your handicap. The adviser will provide you with details about educational provisions, financial provisions and regulations.

Draw up a list of everything the institute should know about you in order to offer the required and most suitable provisions. For instance it is essential that the institute knows what your daily or weekly study load is. They should also know which technical study aids are required to do exams, to study written material and to attend lectures. You should also discuss topics like term papers and theses and your ability to attend group activities. Maybe you have particular needs as to special daily guidance or personal assistance. Perhaps special technical adjustments have to be made prior to starting your studies.

During the interview with the counsellor you will have to find out whether your restrictions could stand in the way of teaching activities. Check whether following items could present problems:

-         taking exams

-         using the computer

-         studying teaching material

-         attending lectures

-         individual term papers, extended essays and theses

-         participating in workgroups

-         practical / traineeship

-         study hold-up

-         access to information

-         access to teaching material

To get an idea about the adjustments suitable for your condition, go to www.handicap-studie.nl in the section studeren > studietips. The study tips listed may help you to prevent unnecessary problems. Study tips is a search system to select educational adjustments, tools and assistance facilities. Using the system you and your adviser or counsellor can draw up a list of the best possible provisions.

Study hold-up

It is advisable to estimate together with your counsellor the possibility of delays at the start of your study. Stipulating your study speed and it’s reason are important to determine any ‘delay beyond control’. Delay beyond one’s control is both for the course (study advice), the university or college (financial compensation) and the authorities (additional student grant) a reason to compensate the delay occurred.

Guidance

Every student has a right to coaching and support from a student adviser.

Tutor

The tutor can advise you on how to approach your study. Is your progress as scheduled, are there any hindrances, which solutions are viable? These are matters to discuss with your tutor. You can ask him or her also to act as your confidant.

Counsellor

The student adviser or counsellor is generally linked to the faculty or the department of student matters of the institute. A counsellor is a professional in the field of individual and psychosocial guidance. Regular talks with your counsellor will have a positive effect on your motivation and may prevent unnecessary delays. Counsellors provide information and advice on legislation and regulations and are also your contact for possible complaints.

The prospectus of the institute will tell you everything about the organisation and the counsellor’s tasks. Also check whether there is a special brochure about studying with a handicap. Some educational institutes even have a professional especially assigned to students with a handicap.

3. Full-time or part-time

If you prefer a full-time study and you suffer from pain, lack of energy, concentration problems and occasional absence, it is wise to talk with your counsellor in advance about the possibilities of schedule changes. Is it possible to take exams at another time? Is it possible to catch up on the material for the exams in a different way or at a different time?

Maybe there is a part-time equivalent of the course. A part-time course requires less study load per week and lectures are quite often at the end of the day or in the evening. Moreover the total study length will be longer than the full-time version. Sometimes part-time studies will involve a compulsory traineeship or (unpaid) job for twenty hours a week.

You may also consider whether a correspondence course is more in line with your possibilities. Do take into account that attending a part-time course whether or not by correspondence does not entitle you to a study grant and matching free transport pass for students.

4. Job prospects

The handicap + studie website includes information about a professional career test that sorts 2250 jobs in an order based on your interests taking into account your handicap or functional restriction. Check at your school, student adviser or supervisor.

Use the interview with the student adviser or counsellor to find out whether your expectations are in line with every day reality. Certain job aspects may – at least at first sight – seem to clash with your restrictions. That’s why it is essential to inform the student adviser about your capabilities and your restrictions. Once these have been made clear you may be surprised to find out new career opportunities. Also check the official compulsory requirements (core qualifications) for graduation.

If you are doubtful about the feasibility of a certain job you may ask the student adviser to introduce you to a senior student or graduate. Try to arrange a visit during a specific lecture or practical. This is an excellent way to list the (im)possibilities of a specific training or job.

5. Attending lectures

For some educational activities your attendance will be compulsory. Yet it may be possible because of your restrictions to be released from attending certain activities. Such exemption will be granted easier if the material is otherwise available, for instance as an individual assignment. Many subjects involve study schedules which makes preparation at home easier. It is sometimes difficult to attend lectures because of concentration problems, contact problems and/or pain or lack of energy. Such problems may also occur when working together on a project. There may be a parallel workgroup at more convenient hours. Another option is an alternative assignment or alternative course. Many students with a functional restriction find it hard to make notes during lectures. Alternatives are: using a memo recorder and working up your notes at home, using a laptop computer, asking for notes or sheets in advance, asking for study schedules or borrowing notes from a fellow student. Lecturers will appreciate it if you inform them how you intend to work. You will find more information and suggestions at www.handicap-studie.nl in the section studeren > studietips.

Teaching material

Do you have problems reading, carrying heavy books or do you find it hard to concentrate on written text? If so, inquire well in advance about the possibility of transferring the material into a different format like Braille, audio or digital. Discuss how tables and graphs can provide the insight you require. If material in digital format or large print is helpful the institute may provide it. Students with visual impairment can turn to Dedicon for transferring books into another format (audio, Word or PDF). For more information go to www.dedicon.nl

Transferring takes time, so make sure that you have the information well in advance. Students suffering from dyslexia can also contact Dedicon but only for books already available in their collection.

Technical study aids

Many functional restrictions require technical aids to take up a study. Check which specific provisions are necessary and suitable. You will sometimes require the advice of an occupational therapist, regional centre for the blind and visually impaired, audiology centre or centre for rehabilitation issues. Apply for tools and aids at the relevant implementation authority (in The Netherlands UWV).

www.surfspot.nl

SURFdiensten is the centre where universities and technical colleges negotiate about software and hardware licences. Their focus is on software and hardware products for schools, colleges and universities for students’ use. To see which licenses your college or university is using go to www.surfspot.nl. Surfspot.nl is the internet shop for students to buy software and other ICT-products.

Exams

Study well in advance the education and examination terms and regulations (in The Netherlands OER) and the prospectus covering your study or course. You will then know when and how examination is done. You have the right to be examined in a way most suitable for your condition. There are many possibilities to adjust examinations in terms of form, duration and time. Also check at www.handicap-studie.nl the section ‘Mijn Rechten’ en ‘Studietips’. For adjustment of examinations, acceptance of alternative assignments or compensation by a different subject or alternative practical, fieldwork or traineeship you must always check whether this approach does not deviate from the ‘normal’ education programme. If you want to qualify you must always meet the core qualification of a course or the official requirements of a profession.

6. Practical, fieldwork and traineeship

Discuss well in advance the scope of practical and fieldwork and check if certain aspects may not be feasible. Maybe it is possible to participate with certain aids or with the help of a fellow student. If participating in a practical is out of bounds it will be necessary to check how an alternative assignment can be offered.

Teaching practice is usually done in various stages of a course. Similar to a practical or fieldwork it is important to know everything about its nature, duration and necessity. Early preparation of the traineeship prevents problems during the practice period. Ask whether you have to find a trainee post yourself or the institute will look for it. You may require more intensive or closer assistance both by the institute that provides the trainee post and by the school or college.

If additional assistance or guidance is required provider and school want to be informed of such requirements well in advance. Consider minor adjustments to your workplace and computer aids. Don’t overlook the necessity of transport and arrangements about working hours. A solution may be to split the traineeship into several periods or to offer alternative teaching practice. If the institute is informed well in advance they will be pleased to provide the necessary and suitable adjustments. Special consideration should be given to our ‘dual education system’ where theoretical education and practice alternate.

Look for more information at www.handicap-studie.nl section studeren > studietips.

7. Access to buildings

Every student has a right to access and use of the college buildings. Accessibility includes among other things signposting, classrooms, elevator, pigeon holes and multimedia centre. Provision of information and usability of equipment - from photocopier to sweet machine - must meet certain conditions. For more information about this subject go to www.handicap-studie.nl section studeren > mijn rechten.

Realizing such changes and adjustments takes time, therefore discuss the subject in time as well!

Student accommodation

Some university towns offer special student accommodation. If you do not need special accommodation and have a functional restriction you may qualify for a higher position on the waiting list. To obtain such a priority status contact your student adviser.

Sometimes you can turn to the local housing department. All over the country there are special provisions like Focus projects. These projects are based on independent living combined with special support and assistance provided by a centre situated close to your house or apartment. For more information check www.fokuswonen.nl

For special adjustments and aids in your house you may turn to your local council for provisions under the terms of the WMO law (in Dutch Law on social support). WMO legislation does not apply to dependent accommodation like student flats.

Living independently sometimes requires assistance with daily activities like taking a shower, getting dressed or household work. Such assistance and help is available through homecare organisations or a special personal budget. For more information go to www.pgb.nl

8. Student life

Would you like to become a member of a students’ union or take up sports? Check in advance whether the location is accessible and usable. Discuss with your student adviser whether participating in orientation days or weeks is realistic. Ask the introduction committee everything you need to know about programme, transport and accessibility.

You may want to participate in a workgroup focussing on studying with a functional restriction or you may want to meet students in a similar position. If so, go to www.handicap-studie.nl  and check section studeren > werkgroepen.

9. Regulations and additional means

Special regulations and additional means are available to students with a functional restriction:

+ 1 study delay

+ 2 provisions like aids and special transport

+ 3 personal budget

+ 4 Wajong benefit

1. Study delay

During your studies you may experience a delay or hold-up because of your handicap or chronic illness. It could be necessary to give up completely in order to prevent deterioration of your condition. You may want to change to a different course that is better adjusted to your restrictions. If such a situation occurs, what will be the consequences in terms of student grants? Who should you turn to? First of all it is vital that you inform the student adviser immediately. It may well be possible that you can qualify for special regulations available at the university or college. Your student adviser will consider the situation, tell you whether you qualify for a request and assist you if necessary. Available regulations are:

Regulations Student Information & Management Group (Dutch IB group)

Make a request to the IB-group using the special request form for provision of a performance related educational grant in case of disability or special circumstances.

a. Extra year grant

If you experience a delay in your studies as a result of your handicap, chronic illness or dyslexia, you may apply for a student grant covering an additional year. Such a twelve-month grant will be given only once. Contact your student adviser for a statement issued by the university or college and send it with an official medical statement to the IB group.

b. Inability to work during study

If you get into a situation where your disability is at least 80 per cent under the terms of WAJONG legislation you may qualify for changing the student grant into a donation.

c. Not graduating

If your handicap or chronic illness prevents you from completing your studies your student grant may be converted into a donation. Have your student adviser draw up and sign a statement and include an official medical statement if the situation is considered a medical issue.

d. New claim to student grant

If you have to stop because you get handicapped during your studies, if your handicap is deteriorating or if you become a chronic patient, you can apply for a new student grant relating to a more suitable course or study. A medical statement and a statement from the college is essential.

e. Extension graduation time

If you cannot possibly meet the required graduation period because of temporary special circumstances you may qualify for an extended graduation period. Such a qualification also requires a statement of the college and a medical statement

f. Age limit

A student who, at the age of 30, is still entitled to a student grant will retain this right until the age of 34 provided he or she does not interrupt the study grant.

Regulation educational institutes

Graduation support

If the additional twelve-month grant of the IB group does not suffice because of your functional restriction you may apply for graduation support at your educational institute. Contact your counsellor. The amount of the graduation support is the same as the study grant. Each educational institute will have its own regulations for this financial compensation.

2. Provisions – aids and transport

Provisions like aids and transport costs are issued under the terms of the law additional subsidies of the Ministry of Education (Dutch OCW subsidies).

a. Study aids

Tools and aids required to be properly educated are paid by the implementation authority UWV. Examples of such aids are special furniture, an interpreter for the deaf, writing interpreter or special software like speech recognition.

UWV will determine the type, form and extent of the provision. The procedure involves examination by a medical insurance professional and an ergonomist. You may be requested to issue a medical statement. Make sure you always ask for permission before buying the aid you need.

b. Special transport

Provisions for adjusted transport to college or university are also included in the above regulation. Consider (wheelchair) taxi costs, mileage allowance or the use of a special car. Only the additional expenses made as a result of the functional restriction are eligible for compensation. When granting mileage compensation or repayment of (wheelchair) taxi costs, public transport costs are deducted as a personal contribution. If you are entitled to a free student public transport pass, no costs for public transport are deducted from the transport compensation as this student transport pass has already been paid for through your student grant. Compensation for (wheelchair) taxi costs must be applied for every new academic year.

If your transport costs for education are reimbursed, you may also claim for compensation of transport costs other than education under the terms of this regulation up to the maximum amount stipulated.

If you do not receive compensation for educational transport costs but you do have other transport costs, consult your local WMO office.

How to apply?

Educational aids and special transport can be applied for at the implementation authority UWV using the special request form for educational support. You will find this form at the UWV website www.uwv.nl.

3. Personal budget educational institute

Educational institutes are not obliged to assist in matters of personal attendance or nursing. You can arrange for such help through your Personal Budget (PGB). You will then receive a budget from which to pay the required help and assistance. You can also arrange for ‘assistance support’ using the PGB. This is especially important for students who suffer for ADHD or an autistic disorder who require assistance in structuring and planning their studies.

For more information check the websites www.ciz.nl and www.pgb.nl

4. Wajong benefit

The law on disability for the young handicapped (Dutch Wajong) is a financial benefit for young people who cannot or only with great difficulty find a job because of their chronic illness or handicap. You are eligible for Wajong benefit if you:

- are disabled on the day of your 17th birthday;

- get disabled after your 17th birthday and have gone to college or university for at least six months in the previous year.

For students the Wajong benefit works independent of study grants. So you are also entitled to a study grant. However, the student information group (IBG) considers the Wajong benefit income. If you surpass an annually fixed income limit you will no longer be entitled to a study grant for that year. If at any moment you reach the point of surpassing this limit, stop your study grant for the rest of the year and return your student transport pass. IBG will never automatically cancel your grant. Reinstate the study grant at the beginning of the new calendar year. You can find the exact amount of the income limit on the IB group’s website www.ib-groep.nl

Abroad

If you go abroad for your studies or a traineeship for a period longer than three months your right to Wajong benefit expires. You must always inform UWV well in advance if you intend to go abroad for a longer period. As soon as you return to this country your right to benefit is reinstated.

If you want to stay abroad for a longer period and wish to keep the benefit it is wise to discuss with your UWV office whether they can apply the hardship clause to realize an extended stay abroad while keeping your Wajong benefit.

Wajong request

Wajong requests are dealt with by your regional UWV office. You have to report within thirteen weeks after the start of your inability to work. If you were already disabled before your seventeenth birthdays, you have to apply within thirteen weeks after your seventeenth birthday. For Wajong a 52-week qualifying period applies after the start of the disability.

For more information about Wajong, Rea or financing through funds, go to www.handicap-studie.nl

About handicap + studie

handicap + studie, the Dutch expert centre for studying with disabilities, stimulates students with a handicap to successfully participate in the higher educational study of their choice.

If you want to know more about the work of handicap + studie or if you have questions about a regulation or provision, the (legal) helpdesk is available to you on work days from 9.00 to 12.30 am. Our telephone number is 0031 30 - 275 33 00, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Lots of information is available at our website: www.handicap-studie.nl. You can also send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

handicap + studie

christiaan krammlaan 2

postbus 222

3500 ae utrecht          

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