International Education of Students (IES)- Freiburg
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Program Web Site

For information on this program, visit the web site.

Attitudinal

In general, people with disabilities are largely accepted and integrated into the culture. There are laws and regulations in place to ensure integration into the society and unhindered participation in professional and social life.

Classroom and Academics

The University of Freiburg and the Student Services Organization are improving access to university buildings and dorms, as well as enhancing equipment for students with disabilities. There are several societies, clubs, and self-help groups on campus along with health insurance and charitable organizations that provide disability services on campus and in the community. Previously, the University of Freiburg has hosted students with vision disabilities, attentional disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. Best practices are to be decided on a case-by-case basis in order to minimize the impact on general program proceedings while maximizing learning outcomes for students with disabilities.

Students typically spend 4 to 6 hours a day in class. Hours for assignments vary, but typically the  University expects 4 hours outside of class for every 2-hour class period (2 hours preparing and 2 hours debriefing). Classrooms are wheelchair accessible. Learning activities include lectures, readings, video, independent research, language lab, seminars and site visits. Learning is typically assessed through exams, presentations, papers, and classroom participation. Homework is typically typed, but handwritten is also acceptable if legible. Lab course may need to be completed in a specific location or with specific technology.

Accommodations such as note taking, recording lectures, separate testing facilities, extra time on assignments and exams, and allowing service dogs into classrooms could be made available.

The University has no previous experience with sign language interpreters but it could probably be arranged.

Excursions and Field Trips

Course related site visits or field study may include walking short distances. There are no mandatory excursions. Optional excursions (weekend or weeklong trips) may include city tours that require some walking.

Housing and Food Services

Wheelchair accessible dorms (on the ground floor or reachable by elevator) are available for students. Other housing accommodations could include allowing service dogs in student housing, granting access to kitchen facilities, wheelchair accessible dining facilities, assistance for carrying trays, cutting food, reading menus, etc., and accommodating special dietary needs.

Technology

Assistive technology such a Braille printer, screen magnification software, Kuzweil 3000 is available at the University. Also, computer labs (wheelchair accessible) and Internet access are available to students.

Library Services

Students have access to the University’s library. The library facilities are (or could be made) wheelchair accessible, and assistance could be available to help access library materials.

Transportation

Public transportation between dorms and study centers, including the tram and buses, are wheelchair accessible, and provide visual as well as audio stop announcements.

Relevant Links for Students with Disabilities

 
Last modified on February 2, 2009