When deciding to pursue an academic degree, prospective students must take a number of considerations and basic prerequisites into account: What do I want to / what can I study, where do I want to study, where will I live, what will it cost.... Prospective students living with disabilities or a chronic illness require more detailed information to organize and coordinate their potential future at a university!
Sometimes, students living with disabilities and/or a chronic illness only come to us toward the end of their studies and then unanimously tell us how much better and worry-free they could have earned their degree had they known about us and our programs and services from the beginning. This is why our PR materials, presence and discussions with prospective students at study fairs, and our social media presence is so important. We can come into contact with students at an early stage and they can embark on the next chapter of their lives more informed and better prepared.
More often than not, students have various interests and talents and it can be difficult to decide on one specific major. In regard to those living with disabiliites or a chronic illness, what is realistic degree program? Can those who are seeing-impaired study chemistry? Are there disabled physicians who use wheelchairs? Are there hearing-impaired legal experts? Our initial consultation is an opportunity to demonstrate just what is possible (with the right preparation and support) and provide academic advising services independent of location and degree program constraints, even if you subsequently decide to enroll at another university / degree program, initial academic advising can take place at the JKU and we can then refer you to the responsible office at another universities from within our extensive network.
Choosing a major starts with understanding what it is you want and the support you need.
The choice of majors and prospective professional careers may seem limitless and the number of programs grows each year, making it all the more important to explore one's personal goals and interests in detail, obtain information and, if necessary, seek assistance in a timely manner:
This list can be even longer for those living with disabilities or a chronic illness and include additional questions to clarify before starting studies.
Depending on the level of interest, we will address these questions during a 2-day student orientation session (OLV) designed for prospective students living with disabilities and/or a chronic illness and, if possible, address these issues during the session; if not, students can make an individual personal appointment to discuss important questions.
Following a decision, the next step is to identify and agree on the individually required parameters. During one-on-one conversations, we will determine the level of support needed well in advance of starting your studies and document the findings in a protocol. As part of regular progress meetings, these will then be updated throughout the course of your studies and adjusted to reflect any changes in circumstances .
This service is primarily intended for severely vision-impaired and/or legally blind prospective students who have chosen to pursue their studies in Linz.
Studying efficiently includes the ability to get around the campus quickly and safely. There is rarely much time between courses, and despite being on campus, walking from the Science Park to the TNF Tower can take up to 15 minutes.
An orientation and mobility session can help you find your way around and work out how best to get to your destination.
If you need assistance in finding your way around, we can put you in touch with experienced advisors who are familiar with the campus.
Johannes Kepler University Linz
Altenberger Straße 69
4040 Linz, Austria
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