Disability

Support and counseling for doctoral candidates and those interested in pursuing a PhD who have a disability – whether sensory impairments, neurodiversity, physical or motor disabilities, chronic physical or mental health conditions, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, learning and concentration difficulties, and others – is provided by the Service Center Inclusion.

Initial, general information for PhD students and those interested in pursuing a PhD is also available in the (Gerrman-language) video “Pursuing a PhD with disabilities or chronic illnesses. (How) does that work?”.

The project PROMI – Promotion inklusive run by the Chair of Work and Vocational Rehabilitation also offers a collection of helpful resources on the topic of pursuing a PhD with a disability, as well as information on peer support for prospective PhD candidates and PhD candidates with disabilities. 

For employees of the University of Cologne, the Representative for People with Severe Disabilities and the University’s Employee and manager advisory office are also available:

The Representative for People with Severe Disabilities at the University of Cologne ensures that the legal standards and employer obligations applicable to people with severe disabilities are met, applies to the relevant authorities for measures that benefit people with severe disabilities or are of a preventive nature, acts as a point of contact for complaints and suggestions from people with severe disabilities, and supports staff with applications for the recognition of a disability, its degree and severe disability status, as well as with applications for equal treatment.

The Staff Counselling Service advises staff and managers on issues relating to leadership and collaboration, psychosocial matters and prevention from addiction. 

The Kölner Studierendenwerk‘s counselling service on ‘Studying with a Disability’ is aimed at students: www.kstw.de/beratung/sozialberatung/studieren-mit-beeintraechtigung/

University representatives for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses 

Prof. Thomas Hennemann
Prof. Pamela Perniss (Deputy)

Contact person for the Faculty of Human Sciences in the area of inclusion

Prof. Jutta Stahl, Vice-Dean for Academic Careers and Equal Opportunities