Study barrier-free
We would like to draw the attention of students with health impairments/disabilities to specific opportunities with regard to the realisation of equal opportunities at the university.
![Studierende sitzen im Gras auf dem Campus der FH Potsdam](/sites/default/files/styles/2000_wide/public/2021-04/studierende-picknicken-vor-mensa-campus-1-fhpotsdam-c-andrea-hansen-2019-06-05.jpg?itok=Nsq9fz0r)
According to the social survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in 2021, 24 % of students surveyed at universities in Germany stated that they had a health impairment (FMER 2022, p. 42). Almost 16% of those surveyed reported that this impedes their studies, with almost 2/3 of these stating mental impairments (FMER 2022, p. 42 and 44). At the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam this statement also applies to students with disabilities.
No-one should be disadvantaged because of their disability.
Contact person
Representative for university members with disabilities
![Prof. Dr. Arne von Boetticher](/sites/default/files/styles/200_wide/public/people/von-boetticher-arne-personenprofil-c-andrea-hansen-fhpotsdam-2019-web.jpg?itok=S4h4-4G6)
Prof. Dr. Arne von Boetticher
Advice from the representative on topics such as ...
- Barrier-free campus access
- Starting your studies at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
- Study conditions at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
- Everyday study life
- Organisation and planning of studies
- Individual compensation for disadvantages
Applying for compensation for disadvantages – How does it work?
The procedure for applying for measures to compensate for disadvantages is as follows:
The regulation on compensation for disadvantages at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam can be found in § 2 of the framework examination regulations of the university of applied sciences, which apply to all departments and degree programmes. Paragraphs 3 and 5 are of interest to you:
"(3) Students with physical, mental or psychological impairments and disabilities shall, upon application, be granted appropriate compensation for disadvantages in relation to their disability in order to cope with study and examination achievements. This includes in particular
a. Authorisation of technical aids,
b. Extension of processing times,
c. Recognition of equivalent study and examination achievements in another form.
[...]
(5) Applications must be submitted to the examination board responsible for the degree programme, together with the relevant supporting documents. They should be submitted in good time before the start of the examination period and cannot be claimed retroactively. The decision to grant compensation for disadvantages is made by the examination board responsible for the degree programme. It must [...] and, in the case of decisions in accordance with para. 3, involve the representative for people with disabilities."
If required, I am also available for a further discussion by telephone or video chat.
I therefore recommend the following procedure:
Further counselling and support services
Social counselling of the Studierendenwerk Potsdam
The Studierendenwerk Potsdam offers free social counselling (not only) for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Telephone consultation hours (+49 331 3706-254 or -251)
- Monday to Thursday: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
- Friday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Personal consultation hours: (Babelsberger Str. 2, at the Long Bridge near the main railway station)
- Tuesday: 9.00 – 12.00 am and 1.00 – 4.00 pm
- Thursday: 1.00 – 4.00 pm
Counselling on participation needs outside the university
The Supplementary Independent Participation Counselling bob体育平台官网 supports you with questions about participation. For example, if you have questions about assistance or aids or if you want to know what a participation plan is. There are two EUTB centres in and near Potsdam:
EUTB c/o DMSG LV Brandenburg e.V.
J?gerstra?e 18 (city centre)
14467 Potsdam
+49 331 2709863
eutb@dmsg-brandenburg.de
EUTB of the Centre for Culture and Visual Communication of the Deaf
Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 2
EUTB , c/o ZFK e.V. House 2
14558 Nuthetal
+49 332 00513780
eutb@zfk-bb.de
Blog "Locating Your Soul"
"Locating Your Soul" is a blog by young editors who want to offer a platform to talk about experiences with mental illness as sufferers, relatives or friends. The aim of the blog: To encourage and educate, destigmatise the topic of "mental illness" and make it easier for those affected and their relatives to get help. It is organised by the platform of the federal association "Angeh?rige psychisch Erkrankter e.V.".
By students for students
The university group Nightline Potsdam offers the possibility for an anonymous telephone or chat conversation on Sundays to Thursdays from 21:00 - 24:00.
Counselling by the German Student Union
The counselling centre of the Deutsches Studentenwerk in Berlin offers a comprehensive reference work for students with disabilities.
Useful tips
Protection of personal data
As soon as you require support beyond information, e.g. the processing of your application for compensation for disadvantages, this is only possible for data protection reasons if you complete and sign the declaration of consent for data processing (PDF) and send it by e-mail or post. This is because the protection of personal data against unauthorised processing is a fundamental right. Health data in particular is subject to particularly strict protection in accordance with the provisions of the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Without your consent, your data may not be stored and may not be transmitted to the examination board without the ticked release from the duty of confidentiality. However, you can withdraw your consent at any time if and to the extent that you no longer wish to receive support.
Further information on individual compensation for disadvantages at the FH Potsdam can be found on the pages of the Study bob体育平台官网.
Making teaching materials accessible
The University of Potsdam's video tutorials provide an insight into the accessible design of digital teaching materials. This means that students with disabilities, including those with visual or hearing impairments, can use the digitally provided texts, videos or online lectures without any hurdles.