Studying with a disability

What was the main goal of your project?
The primary goal of the project is to use the Quality Funds to improve the position and participation of students with disabilities and to enhance the accessibility of education within VU Amsterdam. VU students with disabilities have clearly requested this, and it aligns with VU's ambition to comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Accessibility should become the norm, with inaccessibility being the exception. Through the sub-projects Information Provision, Accessibility, and Studyability, we focus on better information dissemination and making the campus, education, and assessment forms more accessible.

What concrete results have you achieved with your project?
We have been able to support over 110 junior lecturers, particularly through the tailored Basic Teaching The digital Information Point 'Studying with a disability' has been launched and plays a central role in improving information provision for both students and staff. It monitors the current and desired situations and assists VU staff with case studies. In collaboration with the advisory group, services, and faculties, the Information Point works on continuous improvement. The Studyability project has established frameworks for customisation and educational innovation, while the Accessibility project conducted a baseline measurement and drafted accessibility statements for the VU campus and digital learning environment. Through the 'Canvas Student-Friendly' workshops, lecturers learn how to make their course websites more accessible.

What did you personally find the most beautiful or special moment during this project? 
"Nothing about us without us." We regard our collaboration with experts by experience as an absolute added value in achieving an accessible educational environment. Members of the advisory group and the University Student Council (USR) enrich us with insights into the necessary and desired improvements. Together with the 'Studying with a disability' advisory group, the training 'constructive meetings with administrators' resulted in a close-knit community and a wonderful conversation with the rector. Naturally, the involvement of the entire VU community is essential to make strides in optimising accessibility.

How has this project contributed to the improvement of education at VU Amsterdam?
Awareness among lecturers about differentiation in education has grown during the period of the Quality Funds. By providing lecturers with various tools, they have been able to make their knowledge and questions more accessible through simple yet effective adjustments, allowing students to absorb information and instructions more easily. This contributes to greater student success. Examination provisions, such as the availability of earplugs and the use of reading software, have been made readily accessible, and the capacity of the facilities room has been increased. Based on WCAG guidelines, improvements have been made to platforms like the Learning Management System Canvas to meet accessibility requirements; recorded lectures and web content are also provided with subtitles. All these initiatives help lower barriers, enabling students to participate fully in their education.