Barrier-free Studying

Our services are aimed at TU Wien students and prospective students who encounter barriers in their studies or require individual support. This includes, among others, students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, chronic or mental health conditions, as well as other visible or non-visible disabilities and impairments. We provide support for a wide range of concerns related to accessible and equitable studying and offer confidential advice on individual support measures and reasonable accommodations. Counselling sessions can be arranged either in person or online via Zoom by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Disability Officer, Nicole Kretschy, by e-mail.

We offer TU Wien students and people who are interested in studying information and advice on the following questions:

  • Information on barrier-free accessibility and the barrier-free use of existing infrastructure (e.g. library, lecture halls, canteen)
  • Advice and support
  • Information about non-university support services, such as personal assistance
  • Information about support services at TU Wien
  • Coordination of the support services
  • Information on legal matters relating to disabilities and studying (examination modalities).
  • Information and advice on assistive equipment
  • Support with applying for assistive equipment
  • Communication with lecturers

Examples of different examination procedures are

  • Extension of time
  • Change from oral to written examination mode and vice versa.

Students with a disability that lasts longer than six months have the right to a different examination method if they are unable to take the examination in the intended form due to their disability and the requirements are not changed by the different examination method (UG § 59 (1) 12):

How the examination must be taken has to be agreed with the lecturer in advance (!), as organisational arrangements often have to be made.

Financial support for students with disabilities can be found on our Financial Support page.

To support teaching staff in dealing with exceptional situations during exams, we provide a guideline as a PDF download:

Guidelines for teaching staff PDF

 

 

FAQs

A summary of the most frequently asked questions and concerns related to accessible studying:

No, it won't be noted on the transcript.

No. Only the Dean of Studies is authorized to view the medical certificate. All information is treated with strict confidentiality. Students may redact non-essential information on the specialist's certificate; however, the diagnostic code must remain visible.

You must provide documentation from a medical specialist confirming your condition and the resulting need for accommodations.

Please contact the Disability Officer, Nicole Kretschy, preferably by e-mail at nicole.kretschy@tuwien.ac.at 

No. In most cases, the Disability Officer will contact the lecturers on your behalf.

In certain cases, the period of eligibility for student financial aid may be extended upon application if there are important reasons, such as a disability or illness.

Before the initial consultation with the Disability Officer: at least 3 weeks in advance

After the initial consultation and submission of the medical certificate: at least 2 weeks in advance before the examination or assessment concerned.