Gradu­ates with dis­ab­il­it­ies: Suc­cess des­pite bar­ri­ers

Have you (almost) finished your degree?! Now it’s time to find a good job that suits you, for which you are qualified, and which meets your financial expectations. For all graduates, starting out in a career is an exciting, and at times challenging, process. For graduates with a disability, it can sometimes be a little more difficult, even if job advertisements include the clause: ‘People with severe disabilities will be given preference where qualifications are equal’.

Here, we provide information on career guidance services that are on offer, advice centres, temporary employment opportunities and specialised support.

Sup­port­ing or­gan­isa­tions

Ger­man As­so­ci­ation for the Blind and Visu­ally Im­paired (dvbs)

Opportunities for blind and visually impaired graduates of the German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Education and Employment (DVBS) are on offer

Fed­er­al As­so­ci­ation of Hear­ing-Im­paired Stu­dents and Gradu­ates (BHSA)

Services are on offer for hearing-impaired and deaf graduates from the Federal Association of Hearing-Impaired Students and Graduates (BHSA)

Deutsches Stud­i­er­enden­werk (DSW)

Services on offer at the Information and Advice Centre for Students with Disabilities run by the German Student Services Organisation (DSW)

Oth­er of­fers

Self-test: Should I tell them?

This self-assessment helps you find your own balance between keeping a health condition private and disclosing it. For people with invisible conditions in particular – such as mental health or chronic physical conditions – such decisions are often difficult and shaped by a fear of stigmatisation.

Learn more

my­Ab­il­ity Job Board

myAbility is the first accessible career programme designed to support students and graduates with disabilities in their career planning. Companies participating in the programme actively seek out talented individuals with disabilities and offer networking opportunities through a talent programme in major cities such as Munich, Hamburg and Berlin.

Learn more

iXnet

iXnet is a network run by and for academics with disabilities. You can seek advice on specific issues relating to job hunting, funding opportunities or starting your own business, exchange ideas with others in forums, or take part in the mentoring programme.

Learn more

Cent­ral Over­seas and Spe­cial­ist Place­ment Ser­vice of the Fed­er­al Em­ploy­ment Agency

The ZAV (Centre for Vocational Integration) of the Federal Employment Agency provides personalised advice to academics with severe disabilities on funding opportunities, job application strategies and prospects in the labour market. It matches them with suitable roles, sources jobs through a nationwide network and develops employment opportunities through projects tailored to their qualifications and interests.

Learn more

Not sure who the right per­son to con­tact is? I’d be happy to help!

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Kathrin Weber

Advice for students with disabilities

Representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses

Write email +49 5251 60-5498