Student Guidance & Well-being (SGW)

Studying and physical limitation/disabiliy

Studying with a physical limitation or physical complaints/disability (temporary or permanent) often demands significant energy and additional time. Physical and mental fatigue resulting from the limitation are potential outcomes that can impede your academic advancement. Additionally, insufficient accessibility to the UT buildings and education can also be a hindrance to pursuing your studies.

What can you do yourself

Each student is different and has unique support needs. Inform your study adviser of your program, discuss your situation, and seek help in a timely manner. Discuss (at the beginning of your studies) what support you think you'll need to work and study effectively and what arrangements can be made.

The study adviser can provide advice and guidance on the possibilities of support and facilities within your program. This may include periodic counselling sessions, assistance in creating a realistic study plan (tailored to your needs), and exam provisions such as extended exam time or the use of a laptop with specialized software during exams.

Accessibility

Inform the study advisor if you encounter difficulties with:

  • The accessibility, passage, and reachability of buildings, educational spaces, restroom facilities, and the campus area.
  • The accessibility of equipment.
  • Prolonged sitting, standing, or moving.
  • Taking notes, completing written assignments, and exams.
  • Attending educational sessions due to pain complaints or reduced capacity.
  • Fine motor skills:
    • Performing laboratory and practical skills.
    • Working with a PC/laptop.
    • Handling and manipulating study materials.
Tips
  • Inform relevant individuals (teachers and fellow students) in advance about your limitations and possibilities, either personally or through the study adviser.
  • Discuss which tasks in the study group are feasible for you.
  • Make clear arrangements regarding the timing of discussions and breaks during study group sessions.
  • Collaborate online, for example, using platforms like Teams.
  • Request fellow students to share lecture notes via Canvas or Sharepoint.
  • Create a good schedule to spread out your workload.
  • Establish communication and agreements with teachers during self-study through email/Teams/phone by providing feedback and asking questions.
  • Consider using text-to-speech software and/or speech recognition software (consult the student counsellor).
  • Find practical tips for staying focused while working on the Study Skills webpage.
  • Explore available courses and training that can support your mental well-being. If you experience mental issues, make an appointment with a student psychologist for an intake to assess your concerns and determine the support you might need.
  • Also, consult the well-being website 'Are you okay.'
What support is available at the UT

As a student with personal circumstances, you can seek assistance from various support staff at the UT for study guidance and necessary provisions. They will work with you, helping to remove any obstacles and minimize study delays caused by your circumstances.

  • Talk to the study adviser of your programme if you experience difficulties due to personal circumstances. The study adviser can provide advice on course selection, setting up an adapted study plan and schedule, either to address study delays caused by your circumstances or to accommodate therapeutic treatment. The study adviser also assists in organizing necessary adjustments and communication with teachers within your program.
  • If you experience mental issues due to your physical disability/complaints, the student psychologist offers support. During an intake, the student psychologist advises on suitable follow-up actions in your situation. Make an appointment with your general practitioner or the student psychologist if your situation requires it and you need a personal conversation and advice regarding your circumstances.
  • Consult the student counsellor for independent advice and (financial) support in case of study delay caused by your disability or complaints. Consult the student counsellor for advice and practical support if you anticipate challenges in the study environment due to personal circumstances. Examples of support include minimizing building or classroom changes and implementing measures related to a specific medical problem (rest area, adapted furniture, or speech recognition software).
  • RSI/CANS complaints: Incorrect working posture, workload, stress, and lack of rest play a significant role in developing RSI-related complaints. See the UT information page on RSI/CANS and computer work for students.

Proofs and Medical Certificates

If you wish to make use of facilities and arrangements, you can consult the step-by-step guide for this. A proof document of your personal circumstances is required to be able to apply for facilities and arrangements.

Useful self-help resources
  • Speech-to-text software Dragon Naturally Speaking. Consult the student counsellor. 
  • Use reading aloud software ‘Readspeaker TextAid’ during testing and self-study. Want to know more? Ask your study advisor about it.
  • Use an ergonomic keyboard.
  • Consider a mindfulness training
  • RSI/CANS and screen work
  • Take a break - software Workrave.

Aids through Health Insurance, Home Care Store, Municipality, and UWV

  • Certain aids for treatment, nursing, rehabilitation, or care are covered by your own health insurance provider.
  • Simple walking aids can be purchased or rented from a home care store.
  • Custom-made support equipment (non-medical) for permanent use is provided by the Municipality through the Social Support Act (WMO).
  • Certain aids or provisions required for pursuing education are provided under certain conditions by the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).
External support
On Campus
Outside Campus
Additional information

Relaxation audio exercises 'living with pain'(Dutch)

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