Disability and Chronic Illnesses

Students and employees with disabilities or chronic illnesses often face particular challenges in their day-to-day studies or work. This page provides information about support services and contact persons who promote participation and accessibility at the university.

Better together: The University of Potsdam is committed to removing existing barriers with regard to construction, communication, structures, and didactics. Hence, the idea of inclusion also plays a special role in the context of our advising and counselling services.

Robert Meile works as a student advisor at the Central Student Advisory Service, specialising in advising students with health impairments or chronic illnesses, as well as prospective students. Since 2019, he has represented students with disabilities at the University of Potsdam, having been appointed by the Senate. He is also involved in various initiatives to raise awareness among students, teachers and administrators of the topic of ‘studying and disability’.

Robert Meile is the contact person for the following questions:

• General study conditions at the University of Potsdam
• Hardship applications and starting your studies
• Individual disadvantage compensation
• Study organisation and planning
• Accessibility
• Referral advice to contact persons and advisors

Are you struggling with academic writing projects, considering applying for equality measures, or looking to plan your studies more efficiently? We are happy to help you with that.

This offer is targeted at prospective students, current students, and doctoral candidates living under special circumstances – such as stress, a disability, chronic illness, mental health issues, or care obligations. 

Based on your individual needs, we will advise you on your questions about your studies and doctorate. In addition to teaching you specific learning, writing, and planning techniques, our counseling work focuses, in particular, on motivational aspects and the individual’s experience of self-efficacy.

We will be happy to offer you long-term assistance!

The representative body for severely disabled persons at the University of Potsdam is committed to supporting employees with disabilities, employees with equivalent status and employees with chronic illnesses. I, the representative for severely disabled employees, represent the interests of persons with disabilities, advise them accordingly, and monitor the employer's compliance with legal obligations. The top priority is the inclusion of severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent status in the work processes of the department.

I believe that breaking down barriers in people's minds is a fundamental prerequisite for the success of complete and equal inclusion. After all, inclusion begins in the mind! To this end, I hold personal meetings with you, accompany and organise workplace inspections, and work with the relevant departments to develop the optimal design for your ergonomic workplace. It goes without saying that I treat all your concerns with the utmost confidentiality.

The participation of people with and without disabilities in social, cultural and political life is a fundamental prerequisite for a just society. It is not people with impairments who are disabled, they are disabled by barriers in their environment! The work of the representative body for severely disabled persons is carried out solely for the benefit of severely disabled colleagues at the University of Potsdam. Detailed tasks of the representative body for severely disabled persons can be found here.