Where can I go for support and advice?
Answer: For students with an impairment Stenden has appointed a Disability & Study contact person. This is Mrs. Moning; she is one of the Stenden student counsellors. She advises and supports students with an impairment (disability and/or chronic illness). She works together with the various institutes, so as to find tailor-made solutions. Agreements on provisions and adaptations are recorded in a contract. The contract also includes rules about who does what and what you as the student must do yourself.
I am dyslexic. Can I follow this course of study and which modifications are possible?
Answer: Several answers are possible, depending on the programme of studies you intend to follow and your type of dyslexia. You will always be admitted to the course. But, if you, for instance, follow the teacher training programme you must pass the spelling and maths test in the first year. If you do not pass this test, you do not satisfy the norm of the binding study advice. You must then leave. However, there are dyslexic students who do pass these tests. Sometimes they need to take a number of resits. After that they get their diploma.
Standard solutions such as ‘more time for the test’ and ‘sitting somewhere separately’ are possible in all institutes. After consultation, quite often other adaptations can also be realised. For instance, ‘modification of the format of the test’ and ‘use of recording equipment in lectures'.
Advice: Make sure you contact the contact person for Disability & Study at an early stage to discuss necessary modifications. In consultation with the institute possibilities will be explored and possible modifications will be recorded in a dyslexia contract.
I suffer from excessive fatigue syndrome and consequently I am unable to go to school for long days. How can this be taken into account?
Answer: This depends somewhat on the institute involved. A solution could be, for instance, spreading the teaching hours over the days of the week. This may mean that you attend class in a different group.
Another solution is to modify the participation rules. You then make agreements with your group members or with the lecturer, for instance, to copy notes. You could also complete some parts of a particular year at a later stage.
Make sure that you know what your limitations are and meet with the Disability & Study contact person and the study co-ordinator to discuss possibilities in the programme. Agreements are recorded in a contract.
The lecturers think I have dyslexia. I make a lot of language mistakes in my assignments. Can I be tested for dyslexia and how much does that cost?
Answer: You can make an appointment with the Disability & Study contact person. In a meeting with her she will try and find out whether you show any signs of dyslexia. And she will discuss the problems you experience in your studies. If there are sufficient signs that point towards dyslexia, she will refer you to the ‘Orthopedagogische Praktijk’ in Leeuwarden. A test will be applied for, if they suspect during the intake interview that you actually have dyslexia.
The costs of this test can be partly reimbursed. The Disability & Study contact person will help you apply for the subsidy for this test. If you have a so-called dyslexia declaration then you can make use of the necessary facilities, for instance, more time for a test.
Advice: There are several sites on the Internet on dyslexia. Before making an appointment, check if you recognize yourself in the descriptions.
I have to do practical training for IHM, this may be difficult for me due to physical problems. Can this be taken into account?
Answer: Yes, quite often this is possible. In consultation with the study coach co-ordinator and the Disability & Study contact person you look at what adaptations can be realised. That could be, for instance, more work in the back-office or a day-off during a busy week. But also aids, such as ergonomic crutches, so that you do not have to stand for long periods of time. These types of adaptations will be recorded in a contract.
Advice: Contact us at an early stage and, and before that, think of possible solutions that are suitable for you.
This module I have to go to the hospital frequently for tests. I am afraid that I will miss my participation points. What can I do about this?
Answer: Mention this to the study coach and study co-ordinator in time. Adaptations will be made depending on the number of hours that you will miss. For instance, attending class with a different group, a change in the participation rules or a substitute assignment reflecting the number of hours missed.
Contact the Disability & Study contact person if it looks as if you have to go for more than one test, and if it may have consequences for the rest of your studies. She can give you further advice.
Can I get financial help in case I am delayed in my studies due to an impairment or disability?
Answer: A condition for getting financial support is that you get study financing from the IBG in Groningen. Depending on the length of the delay there are two possibilities: your study delay is less than three months, in that case you can make use of ‘Fonds Financiële Ondersteuning Studenten’.
For the duration of the delay you will then get your study financing from this fund. In case your delay is more than three months, you will be able to apply, as a one-off, for an extra 12 months of study financing, at the IBG (InformatieBeheerGroep). Both applications are made via the Student Counselling Office.
Advice: Notify us in time that you have a functional impairment. Do this even if you don’t know whether this will lead to a delay or not. You will get advice on how to avoid any possible delays. Also, you are under a duty to mention your impairment so as to qualify for a contribution from the Fonds Financiële Ondersteuning Studenten. For more information check the Student Regulations
Will I have to leave school if I don’t meet the requirements of the Binding Study Advice due to my impairment?
Answer: Your impairment may not be a reason to give you a negative binding study advice. However, you may be unsuited for the programme due to other reasons. If you are running the risk of not meeting the requirements of the binding study advice because of your impairment then it is vitally important that you stick to the required procedure. That means: report to the student counsellor in time and send a letter, before 1 June, to the Exam Committee requesting it to take your impairment into account. If you are allowed to go to the second year.
In the second year you will be required to satisfy the requirements for the first year (propedeuse) and satisfy the norm of the binding study advice. Should you also not satisfy the requirements of the propedeuse in the second year, you may conditionally be admitted to the third year, when special circumstances play a role (e.g. impairment). Again, it is important to follow the required procedure.
Advice: Get in touch in time and show that you try and pass as many tests as you can.
One day a week I go to the GGZ for therapy. Can this be taken into account?
Answer: In most cases this can be taken into consideration. The institute can accommodate this in your timetable. However, this may be difficult in a small institute, because usually all lessons are given on one particular day. Advice: Get in touch at an early stage with your study coach co-ordinator and the Disability & Study contact person. They can discuss the possible solutions with you.
I have ADHD and find structuring very difficult. How can I get help?
Answer: There are various possibilities. The expertise centre ‘studentenhulpverlening’ offers various training courses, including planning, effective studying and how to avoid procrastination. One training is available in the English language; time management and study skills.
Another possibility is to ask a fellow student in your group to help you plan or to get individual support from the student support groupContact the student counselling office (Disability & Study contact person) for these options. Advice: Be pro-active and avoid delays in your studies by dealing with the problem at an early stage.
I am going on an internship soon. Due to my chronic illness I can only work four days a week. Can this be taken into account?
Answer: Yes, it can be taken into account. In consultation with the internship co-ordinator and the Disability & Study contact person you may be able to work a reduced number of hours per week. Your internship period may then last a bit longer.
Advice: In the job interview clearly indicate what you can do in the hours you can work. Don’t forget that there are a lot of people who work part-time anyway. I am almost graduating and I am applying for jobs.
Should I mention in my application letter that I have an impairment?
Answer: No, you do not have to do that. In most cases, this is not advisable, unless it is a ‘unique selling point’ for the job. For example, if the job vacancy mentions a preference for a disabled person. Advice: Stenden provides a special job interview training for students with an impairment. A positive image plays a central role in this training. The Disability & Study contact person can give more information.