Disadvantage compensation
In many degree programmes, strict and binding requirements in the study and examination regulations make it difficult for students with health impairments to complete their studies. For example, attendance requirements must be met, internships and stays abroad must be integrated into the degree programme and a large number of assessments must be completed during the course of study.
Since 1994, the prohibition of discrimination pursuant to Art. 3 para. 3 sentence 2 of the German Basic Law (GG) has also legally enshrined the right to so-called "reasonable accommodation" in the sense of a special principle of equality to avert the disadvantage that would otherwise arise due to the poorer health conditions.
Compensation for disadvantages is therefore not a favour, but an individual and situation-related precaution to ensure equal opportunities!
If you have any questions on these topics or would like to discuss them at your leisure, the representative will be happy to assist you.
The path to compensation for disadvantages
Check the requirements
Check whether you fulfil the requirements for applying for compensation for disadvantages and whether these apply to your personal situation.
Counselling interview
Arrange a counselling session with Kathrin Weber from the Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities. During this consultation, you will receive a realistic assessment of your situation, helpful support with your application and valuable advice on how to proceed.
Preparation of required documents
Now collect all the necessary documents required for the application. This includes, among other things, the medical certificate documenting the impairment. Make sure to compile all relevant documents in a complete and well-structured manner to make the process easier.
Constitution of the application
Now fill out the standardised university application form carefully. Make sure that all required fields are filled in completely and correctly to ensure smooth processing.
Check for completeness
Now compile all the documents carefully and finally check them for completeness to ensure that nothing is missing.
Feedback dialogue
Arrange a feedback meeting with Kathrin Weber, where you can bring all your documents with you and clarify any unanswered questions.
Submitting the application
Now submit the complete application to the Central Examination Office.
Awaiting decision
The examination board will then make a decision on the approval of your application based on the documents submitted and the applicable guidelines.
Inform teachers
If the application is approved, inform the teachers in good time so that the approved measures can be organised and implemented in good time.
Formalities for applying for compensation for disadvantages
- The existence of a medically verifiable health impairment that lasts for at least 6 months or occurs in phases.
- This is a health impairment which, in combination with the examination conditions, puts the candidate at a disadvantage.
- It is possible to compensate for the impairment by adjusting the examination conditions without the compensation necessarily conflicting with the purpose of the examination. This means that the compensation is not relevant to the content of the examination, but only the presentation options for the performance are adjusted.
Each student should submit the application as early as possible to the chairperson of the examination board responsible for the degree programme. The application is submitted via the Central Examination Office.
In the application, you must first describe the impairment, chronic illness or disability. You do not necessarily have to provide a diagnosis. However, it can be helpful for the examination board to understand what it is.
Then describe the disadvantageous effects of the impairment(s) on the form of performance and/or examination requirements provided for in the respective subject area or module. With this in mind, check which activities are relevant for completing your studies or taking examinations, e.g. reading, writing, calculating, learning, speaking, seeing, hearing, walking, standing, carrying, sitting, socialising, working in groups. Then describe the reasons why you are unable to carry out certain activities in the usual way or at the usual time due to your impairment with regard to which types of courses and examinations, deadlines or other requirements for the organisation and implementation of your studies.
Then describe what a necessary, suitable countermeasure would look like. Measures could include, for example, extending examination times, changing submission deadlines for assignments, changing the room conditions, using technical aids or modifying the type of examination (oral instead of written examination, etc.). The following examples may be helpful:
- Possibilities for compensating for disadvantages in the organisation and implementation of studies
- Possibilities for compensation for disadvantages in examinations and assessments
You will need (subject area) medical proof of the existence of the health impairment, chronic illness or disability with confirmation that the impairment affects you in the way you have described and thus justifies the measures applied for (a severely disabled person's pass is not necessary).
Student teachers are advised to consult the PLAZ in advance about the possibilities of compensation for disadvantages (these discussions are also confidential).
Approval is the responsibility of the examination board. After you have received a letter of approval, inform your lecturers about the compensation for disadvantages so that they can organise the measures some time before the examinations or at the beginning of the semester if possible.
It is always possible to submit a new/updated application.
Compensation for disadvantages is not noted in the transcript of records/performance overview.
Documents on the topic of compensation for disadvantages
In this download area you will find documents for applying for compensation for disadvantages at Paderborn University. These documents provide you with an overview of the application process and support you in preparing your application. However, we strongly recommend that you also make use of a personal consultation with the Service Center for Students with Disabilities in order to maximize your chances of success in obtaining compensation for disadvantages.
Study abroad
Experience abroad and qualified language skills are desired by many employers when hiring university graduates, and in some cases even required. Students with disabilities and chronic illnesses should therefore plan a period of study abroad or an internship abroad from the outset as part of their degree programme and prepare well, even if this is not mandatory. In order to obtain comprehensive information and meet application deadlines, it is best to start planning two years in advance.
Further information can be found in the handbook "Studying and disability" - Chapter X
