099 - Dortmund Center for disability and academic studies, zhb//dobus,
Germany
C
ONTACT
zhb//dobus an der TU Dortmund,
Dr. Birgit Rothenberg
Germany
http://www.dobus.tu-dortmund.de/cms/de/home+49 231 755 2848
birgit.rothenberg@tu-dortmund.deO
VERALL GOAL
/
MISSION
Because of an increasing number of students the lectures are highly attended. Additionally the students are encouraged
to finish their studies in a short period of time. This kind of environment makes it hard for students with disabilities to
follow and keep up with the regular curriculum. Therefore an individualized approach is needed, when it comes to
Inclusive Education. The University has made efforts in different areas of the students life to create an accessible
learning environment, including building measures, removal of barriers within the study system and personal support
services. The combination of individualized and structural approaches should ensure that all the needs of students with
disabilities are met.
T
HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED
As a first step structural barriers of the University had to be removed. The building was adapted in order to be accessible
for everyone. Another way of creating an equal study environment was to implement the disadvantage compensation
which is applied to all exams – according to disability mainstreaming. Individualized services for persons with disabilities
include support for applicants, students and graduates, counseling and awareness raising and training lecturers on
Inclusive Education. Removing the different barriers is a process that constantly has to be adapted accordingly to the
technical and progress and the content of the studies. The approach makes use of the knowledge and experiences on
peer counseling, individual solutions were developed in a close cooperation with the students with disabilities.
C
OUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED
:
Germany
C
OUNTRY
/
COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING
:
Germany, Dortmund
F
ACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE
In 2014 more than 300 students and 100 applicants with disability were counseled per semester. 21 persons with
visual impairment used adapted work places and interpreters for written materials and exams, also computer
literacy workshops were provided.