Compensation for disadvantages

In many courses of study, tight and binding requirements in the study and examination regulations make it difficult for students with health impairments to perform. For example, attendance requirements must be met, internships and stays abroad must be integrated into the course of study, and a large number of certificates of achievement must be submitted during the course of study.

Since 1994, the prohibition of discrimination according to Art. 3 Para. 3 Sentence 2 of the German Basic Law (GG) in the sense of a special principle of equality has also legally anchored the right to so-called "reasonable accommodation" to avert the disadvantage that would otherwise arise due to the poorer health conditions.

Compensation for disadvantages is therefore not a benefit, but an individual and situation-related provision to ensure equal opportunities!

If you have any questions about these topics or would like to talk about them in peace, the representative will be happy to assist you.

  1. The presence of a medically verifiable health impairment that lasts at least 6 months or occurs in phases.
  2. This is a health impairment which, in conjunction with the examination conditions, places the candidate at a disadvantage.
  3. It is possible to compensate for the impairment by adjusting the examination conditions without the compensation necessarily contradicting the purpose of the examination. This means that the compensation is not relevant to the content of the examination, but only the possibilities of presenting the performance are adjusted.

Each student should submit the application as early as possible to the responsible examination board chairperson of the study program. The application is submitted via the Central Examination Office. 

 

In the application, you first describe which impairment, chronic illness or disability is present. It is not mandatory to provide a diagnosis. However, it may be helpful for the review committee to understand what the impairment is.

Next, describe the disadvantaging effects of the impairment(s) on the form of performance and/or examination requirements provided in the subject or module. With this in mind, consider what activities are relevant to performing the course of study and/or completing examination requirements e.g. reading, writing, calculating, learning, speaking, seeing, hearing, walking, standing, carrying, sitting, socializing, working in groups. Then describe the reasons why you are unable to perform certain activities in the generally usual manner or time due to impairment in relation to which course and examination forms, deadlines or other requirements for the organization and performance of studies.

Subsequently, describe what a necessary, appropriate counteracting measure would have to look like. Measures can be, for example, an extension of the examination time, a change in the deadlines for homework, changes in the spatial conditions, the use of technical aids or the modification of the examination form (oral instead of written examination, or similar). The following examples can be helpful:

Possibilities for disadvantage compensation in the organization and execution of studies 
Possibilities for compensation for disadvantages in examinations and certificates of achievement

You will need (specialist) medical proof of the existence of the health impairment, chronic illness or disability with confirmation that the impairment, in the way you describe, has an effect and thus justifies the requested measures (a severe disability certificate is not necessary).

For student teachers, it is recommended that you consult in advance with Ms. Mense of the PLAZ about the possibilities of compensating for a disadvantage (these discussions are also confidential).

The approval is the responsibility of the examination board. After you have received an approval letter, inform the teachers about the disadvantage compensation so that they can organize the measures some time before the exams or at the beginning of the semester, if possible.

It is always possible to submit a new/updated request.

A disadvantage compensation will not be noted in the transcript of records/performance overview.