Assistive technologies
It is possible to borrow laptops as aids
A disability or chronic illness is not always immediately obvious. Around 10% of all students live with a psychological or physical disability. Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) aims to provide optimum support for these students during their day-to-day university lives. In addition to numerous counselling and support offers, there are now four special laptops available, which can be borrowed for exams, as the use of personal computers is not permitted in exams. The four devices jointly procured by the Counselling Centre for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses (BBST) and the Centre for Information and Media Technology (ZIM) are classed as so-called assistive technologies. For example, they allow texts to be enlarged or read out to the user or the dictation of answers, while two devices also include a Braille terminal. An application for compensation for disadvantages must be submitted if you wish to use one of these laptops in an exam.
Further aids
Did you know: There are PC workstations for the blind in the University and State Library.
Virtual exchange for students on the topic of assistive technologies
The NRW competence centre for digital accessibility (Kompetenzzentrum digitale Barrierefreiheit.nrw) offers a virtual “peer-to-peer” exchange in which students can share their experiences of assistive technologies, ask any unanswered questions and provide each other with tips.
You can find more information in the flyer or on the website of the Kompetenzzentrum digitale Barrierefreiheit.nrw (both German only).