Inclusion
With the establishment of the Inclusion Office in September 2024, TH OWL has created a central point of contact for all matters related to accessibility and equal participation. We would be happy to provide you with information on the following topics:
Q & A
The Inclusion Office at TH OWL is the central, reliable point of contact for a university that is open to everyone. The specific support it provides can be summarized in the following key areas:
- Advice on accommodations: It provides step-by-step support to students and staff in applying for and implementing accommodations for examinations, deadlines, or working conditions.
- Assistive Technology and Accessibility: The office organizes technical support (e.g., through the university’s own assistive technology pool, which includes specialized software and laptops) and advocates for the removal of physical, digital, and organizational barriers on the campus.
- Mediation and Awareness-Raising: It serves as a neutral bridge between those affected, lecturers, and the administration; mediates in conflicts; and educates the university community on how to interact with one another without prejudice.
The Inclusion Office provides advice and support to members of TH OWL, as well as to external contacts and partners, on all issues related to equal participation and accessibility.
Above all, these services are aimed at students and prospective students who need support in their day-to-day academic life, advice on accommodations, or help with campus orientation. University employees—whether in academia, administration, or technical services—can also contact the office with questions regarding workplace rights, equality, or workplace design. In addition, the Inclusion Office serves as an advisory resource for faculty and administrators, supporting them in implementing accessible teaching practices and navigating legal requirements. External individuals, such as parents of students with disabilities or collaboration partners, can also find initial guidance here.
Even if you’re not sure whether we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’ll figure it out together.
Accommodations in higher education ensure equal participation for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses by addressing barriers caused by their disabilities without lowering academic performance standards. In practice, this is implemented, for example, by allowing extra time for exams, extending deadlines for assignments, or allowing students to take exams in a separate, quiet room. It also includes changing the format of an exam—such as an oral exam instead of a written one—allowing flexible breaks during an exam without losing exam time, and permitting the use of assistive technology such as laptops or special screen-reading software.
In the following documented cases, students may apply for accommodations during their degree program:
- with a disability
- with a chronic illness
- with a serious illness
- during pregnancy, maternity leave, and breastfeeding, or due to family responsibilities (in these cases, please contact the Family Services Office at TH OWL)
IMPORTANT: Chronic illnesses (lasting longer than 6 months) are considered disabilities. Short-term serious illnesses are considered “serious reasons.”
In the section “Studying with a Disability or Chronic Illness,” we have compiled all the relevant information about accommodations for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses and how to apply for them.