EPFL provides specific study arrangements (hereafter arrangements) for lectures and/or exams so students with disabilities can pursue university studies under the best possible conditions whilst also ensuring adherence to their learning objectives.
This inclusive approach is based on the Federal Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against People with Disabilities (Disability Discrimination Act, DDA) which “has the purpose of preventing, reducing or eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities”. This Act “lays down general conditions that make it easier for people with disabilities […] to have access to basic and advanced education and training” (art. 3). Compensatory measures of disadvantages complete this Act and are aimed at reducing discrimination against people with disabilities without modifying the learning objectives in the curriculum.
- EPFL promotes the inclusion and integration of students and PhDs with impairments and specific needs
- Those disabilities do not impact intelligence
- Students with such disabilities are capable to complete an academic curriculum
- It is essential to avoid stigmatizing disabilities but to aim at supporting the students affected
Type of disability – EPFL context
- reduced mobility, impaired vision or hearing
- neuro-developmental disorders ⇒ dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia
- neuro-developmental disorders due to genetic, biological and environmental causes ⇒ TDA/H Attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder
- Neurological and developmental disorder ⇒ autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Mental disorder ⇒ anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Chronic illness ⇒ diabetes, epilepsy, etc.
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Disability fact sheets
Want to learn more on autism? Your student is affected by dyslexia? To support your teaching, fact sheets about the most frequent types of disabilities and some resources to interact with concerned students are available.
Arrangement procedures & FAQ
You are wondering how to organise your student’s arrangements?
Contact
For general questions or to handle a situation concerning a disabled student, please contact Student Affairs (SAE) by writing to [email protected]