Working with occupational disability: support and opportunities

• The Participation Service Point

  The Participation Service Point offers advice and support for intake and guidance of employees with an occupational disability. The Service Point works for all faculties and services of VU Amsterdam. You can reach us at participatie.hrm@vu.nl. 

• Jobcoaching

  Job coaching can be arranged for employees with an occupational disability. A job coach can help you with:

  • maintain a work-life balance and help prevent problems; 
  • draw up a development plan and focus on development and training;
  • contribute ideas on which facilities are needed on the work floor to make the working environment optimal for the employee with the disability.

• Advisory Group Participation

  The Advisory Group Participation is committed to creating an inclusive work environment at VU for colleagues with occupational disabilities. The Advisory Group focuses on information & image building about working with an occupational disability and represents the interests of colleagues with an occupational disability within VU Amsterdam.

  It strives to break down prejudices and stigmas surrounding disability and show that colleagues working with a disability are full-fledged colleagues, not pathetic or heroic.

  Members of the advisory group are ambassadors of participation jobs at VU Amsterdam. They make visible what it takes to make a workplace accessible, how colleagues with disabilities contribute to the university and how any adjustments and guidance can be arranged.

  Do you have suggestions, ideas or want to contribute? Feel free to contact us at participatie.hrm@vu.nl. 

• Accessibility and parking permits

  All buildings have parking spaces for people with disabilities nearby. You may be eligible for a parking pass for the campus grounds.

  In addition, each building has at least one entrance for wheelchair users and all restaurants and the library are wheelchair accessible. Furthermore, there are a number of adapted restrooms.

  Research has shown that accessibility in practice is not yet optimal. We are working therefore to improve. Find out more on the Facilities for people with a disability page. 

  Questions about accessibility 
  Do you have questions about accessibility, or do you run into problems? If so, please contact the Participation Service Point. 

• Quiet space / relaxation room

  Relaxation rooms are available at various locations on the VU Campus, designed for employees and students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. More information on relaxation room 

• Workplace adjustments

  You apply for personal facilities (e.g., a Braille display, adapted office chair, transportation) yourself through UWV. If they do not arrange and reimburse it, the occupational health and safety advisor at VU Amsterdam can help. The Participation Service Point can provide support. For adjustments to buildings, you can contact the Participation Service Point. These adjustments are made in consultation with FCO. These adjustments also require a workplace assessment.

More information