Studying with Disability

From physical and psychological to chronic impairments

Disabilities and/or chronic diseases can lead to difficulties in studying. Affected students face the challenge of addressing key questions about how to manage and balance their individual situations. The support options available at h_da are outlined here:

Counseling and Support

The first step to successfully managing your studies is to familiarize yourself with the various support options available, as this will also help you understand your rights. We recommend seeking advice as early as possible – ideally before beginning your studies. At the University of Darmstadt, you will find a range of counseling and support services. Additionally, numerous organizations outside the university offer valuable assistance

Central Student Counseling

The Central Student Counseling Service at h_da offers personalized advice and support on decision-making processes as well as on the planning and implementation of your studies. The service is provided in a confidential, neutral environment, and is anonymous and, of course, free of charge.

Counseling appointments can be hold in person, by phone or via video call. You can book an consultation appointment online below.
For more detailed information about the services and work, please visit the website of the Central Student Counseling Service.

Short consultation appointment

Your questions, quickly answered!

Do you have a specific question about your studies and are looking for a quick answer? Feel free to visit us during our open consultation hours in Darmstadt or Dieburg, or contact us by telephone. A brief consultation during open consultation hours is possible without registration or appointment. Alternatively, you can book a short online or phone consultation with us.

Arrange an individual consultation appointment directly*: Online/Phone

*We have a high number of requests for counselling and many people are waiting for a free slot. Therefore, please remember to cancel your appointment if you are unable to attend and make it available for other people seeking advice.

Long consultation appointment

Focus on your situation!

Sometimes questions are more complicated and clarification takes more time. In a 50-minute consultation, we take the time to sort things out with you, reflect and support you in finding a solution.

Arrange an individual consultation appointment directly*:

Contact of the departments: chairpersons of the examination boards

Architecure, media und design

degree programme	name	e-mail
Animation and Game (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Noa Kafka	noa.kafka@h-da.de
Architecture (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Jan Kliebe	jan.kliebe@h-da.de
Augmented and Virtual Reality Design	Prof. Dr. Frank Gabler	frank.gabler@h-da.de
Expanded Media	Prof. Sven Poguntke	sven.poguntke@h-da.de
International Media Cultural Work	Prof. Sabine Breitsameter	sabine.breitsameter@h-da.de
Industrial Design	Prof. Ulla Marquardt	ulla.marquardt@h-da.de
Interior Architecture (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Jan Kliebe	jan.kliebe@h-da.de
Media, Technology and Society	Prof. Dr. Peter Schumacher	peter.schumacher@h-da.de
Motion Pictures	Prof. Herbert Schwering	herbert.schwering@h-da.de
Online Journalism	Prof. Dr. Peter Schumacher	peter.schumacher@h-da.de
Online Communication	Prof. Dr. Andreas Vlasic	pav-ok.fbmd@h-da.de
Sound, Music and Production	Prof. Dr. Kyrill Fischer	kyrill.fischer@h-da.de
User Experience Design	Prof. Andrea Krajewski	andrea.krajewski@h-da.de

Computer Science

degree programme

name

e-mail

Computer Science (Bachelor, Master, Dual)

Prof. Dr. Ute Trapp

ute.trapp@h-da.de

Engineering sciences

degree programme	name	e-mail
Automotive Engineering	Prof. Dr. Henry Arenbeck	henry.arenbeck@h-da.de
Civil Engineering (bachelor's and master's degree)	Dr. Tobias Drieseberg	tobias.drieseberg@h-da.de
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology	Prof. Dr. Christian Jakob	christian.jakob@h-da.de
Electrical Engineering (continuing education)	Prof. Dr. Michael Kuhn	michael.kuhn@h-da.de
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology - International	Prof. Dr. Michael Kuhn	michael.kuhn@h-da.de
Environmental Engineering (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Tobias Drieseberg	tobias.drieseberg@h-da.de
General Mechanical Engineering	Prof. Dr. Alexander Schick	alexander.schick@h-da.de
Industrial Engineering (bachelor's degree)	Prof. Dr. Sebastian Weck	sebastian.weck@h-da.de
Industrial Engineering (master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Jens Hoffmann	jens.hoffmann@h-da.de
Mechanical Engineering	Prof. Dr. Alexander Schick	alexander.schick@h-da.de
Mechatronics (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Dietmar Jennewein	dietmar.jennewein@h-da.de
Optical Technology and Image Processing (bachelor's degree)	Prof. Dr. Ralf Blendowske	ralf.blendowske@h-da.de
Optical Technology and Image Processing (master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Johannes Gregori	johannes.gregori@h-da.de
Polymer Engineering (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Albrecht Hundhausen	albrecht.hundhausen@h-da.de
Reliability Engineering (Distance learning programme)	Prof. Dr. Lisa Koch	lisa.koch@h-da.de
Smart Building Infrastructure Systems	Prof. Dr. Thomas Kania	thomas.kania@h-da.de

Natural sciences and mathematics

degree programme	name	e-mail
Applied Mathematics (bachelor's degree)	Prof. Dr. Christine Bach	christine.bach@h-da.de
Applied Mathematics (master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Torsten-Karl Strempel	torsten-karl.strempel@h-da.de
Biotechnology	Prof. Dr. Henning Böckemeier-Beckmann	pruefungsausschuss.cub@h-da.de
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology	Prof. Dr. Henning Böckemeier-Beckmann	pruefungsausschuss.cub@h-da.de
Data Science	Prof. Dr. Antje Jahn	antje.jahn@h-da.de
Industrial Chemistry	Prof. Dr. Henning Böckemeier-Beckmann	Prof. Dr. Henning Böckemeier-Beckmann

Economy and society

degree programme	name	e-mail
Applied Social Sciences (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Jutta Träger	jutta.traeger@h-da.de
Business Administration	Prof. Dr. Frederik Winter	pa-bwl.fbw@h-da.de
Business Psychology (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Daniela Lohaus	daniela.lohaus@h-da.de
Digital Business Development	Prof. Dr. Omid Tafreschi	msc.pa.fbw@h-da.de
Energy Management (bachelor's and master's degree)	Prof. Dr. Anke Kopsch	anke.kopsch@h-da.de
Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation (FACT)	Prof. Dr. Omid Tafreschi	msc.pa.fbw@h-da.de
Information Law	Prof. Dr. Diana Chiampi Ohly	diana.chiampiohly@h-da.de
International Licensing Law	Prof. Dr. Diana Chiampi Ohly	diana.chiampiohly@h-da.de
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	Prof. Dr. Matthias Knoll	matthias.knoll@h-da.de
Logistics Management	Prof. Dr. Johanna Bucerius	johanna.bucerius@h-da.de
Public Management	Prof. Dr. Anna Florence Altmann	anna.altmann@h-da.de
Risk Assessment and Sustainability Management (RASUM)	Prof. Dr. Anja Hentschel	anja.hentschel@h-da.de
Social Work	Prof. Dr. Angelika Nake	angelika.nake@h-da.de
Social Work: Critically reflective and empirical approaches	Prof. Dr. Angelika Nake	angelika.nake@h-da.de
Social Work PLUS Migration and Globalisation	Prof. Dr. Frank Nickel	frank.nickel@h-da.de
Social Work PLUS Psychomotricity	Prof. Dr. Frank Nickel	frank.nickel@h-da.de
Sustainable Supply Chain Management	Prof. Dr. Omid Tafreschi	msc.pa.fbw@h-da.de

Academic Adjustments: Alternative Arrangements

If you experience disadvantages in your studies due to health or disability in the area of studying and examination situations, as a student of the h_da you have the possibility to apply for alternative arrangements at your faculty. Alternative arrangements always related to individual cases. Alternative arrangements intended to enable students with disabilities and/or a chronic disease to access subject content and tasks and to provide evidence of what they have learned, taking into account their individual impairments.The legal basis is §10 (8) of the ABPO of the University of Darmstadt.

Information & how to apply

Data and Facts

16% of all students have a disability that affects their studies and make studying more challenging. It can be reassuring to know that you are not alone in facing questions, concerns, and emotions related to your situation. According to the 2023 best3 student survey conducted by the German Student Services, around 16 percent of students in Germany are affected by one or more disabilities that impact their studies. These disabilities vary widely, including sensory or mobility impairments, psychological or physical conditions, specific learning disabilities, and severe temporary impairments.

Equal Opportunities in Studying
The diversity of disabilities emphasizes the importance of adapting support services to individual needs. Addressing your rights early and seeking assistance can greatly enhance the achievement of equal opportunities in education. Equal opportunities in studying means that all students, regardless of their disabilities, have the same ability to successfully and accessibly complete their studies.

Requirements for Academic Adjustments

A disability and/or chronic condition or health impairment that has lasted for more than 6 months.
The presence of a disadvantage in studying caused by this impairment.
No conflicting examination objectives.

An academic adjustment changes the conditions, not the actual exam or academic performance. The performance requirements remain the same for all students. For this reason, not every impairment qualifies for an academic adjustment.

Application for academic adjustments

To apply for academic adjustments, you must submit a written application along with a medical certificate. It is recommended to inform the department of your need for compensatory measures as early as possible. The application should be addressed to the chairs of the examination board for the respective degree program.

Guide to Applying for Academic Accommodations in Higher Education

What Medical Certificate is Required?

A specialist medical certificate if a disability is being diagnosed for the first time.
A general practitioner’s certificate describing the overall condition if the patient is receiving long-term care based on a specialist diagnosis.
A therapeutic certificate if the patient is receiving long-term therapeutic treatment based on a specialist diagnosis.

The certificate must include:

A description of the symptoms that is understandable to non-medical professionals.
An explanation of how the impairment affects studying.
Specific recommendations for appropriate compensatory measures.

For follow-up applications or long-term academic adjustments, it may be possible to waive the requirement for a medical certificate each semester in consultation with the department, if the proof has already been provided earlier and the impairment is not temporary. A blanket application for the entire duration of the studies is only advisable in very specific exceptional cases.

Leave of absence

If you need to take a break from your studies for health reasons, you can apply for an indefinite leave of absence by submitting a medical certificate. A leave of absence is also possible during the first semester under these circumstances. The expected duration of the illness must align with the length of the semester. Further information and the application can be found here.

Mental Health: Finding Support

A guide for students from students who feel mentally stressed during their studies and need orientation in seeking help. Download