Tips for studying with a disability

Overview facilities per faculty
Applying for support for studying with a disability 
​Regelhulp, a guide (in Dutch) from the government for everybody who needs care and support   
Support for living with a disability in South Limburg  
UnliMited network

What is ADD/ADHD? 

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can cause, difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted (attention problems), making ill-considered decisions and acting too quickly (impulsivity), among other things. Global characteristics of ADHD include hyperactivity and impulsivity and/or problems with attention. 

When you are studying at university, you may have a lot to deal with: a different environment, many new people and high expectations. As a result, you may face different obstacles than before. 

Examples include: 

• difficulty completing things 
• difficulty meeting deadlines 
• procrastination 
• difficulty concentrating 
• difficulty with information processing, planning and organising 
• becoming easily distracted 
• being more easily overstimulated and having a full head 
• having too much or too little energy 

Every student experiences different obstacles during their studies and in daily life. 

Tips for studying with ADD/ADHD 

• Ask if someone can help you with study planning. 
• Provide structure/a set rhythm. 
• Break down tasks into clear, smaller steps. 
• Study together with someone else. This person may be able to help you keep an overview. You can also discuss the study material together. 
• Find a quiet place to study without too many distractions. You can also use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. This can help keep your focus. 
• Investigate what causes brain fog, or makes your head feel so ‘full’. What do you do in a week and which activities cost you a lot of energy? What can you change to avoid structurally overstepping your boundaries? 
• Find an outlet to process stimuli. This could be a sport, for example, or a creative hobby. 
• Use text-to-speech/read-aloud software. Taking in information in a different way (while listening) can improve your concentration. This software is available from Disability Support. 
• You can visit the ADHD Café Maastricht. There young people and adults with ADD/ADHD meet in an accessible way to exchange experiences. 
• At Disability Support you can request facilities such as extra testing time or a smaller testing room. In addition, your study advisor can help with study-related questions and making a study plan. 

Read more about ADD/ADHD from HBO/WO Toegankelijk 

• Don't be afraid to ask lecturers and others to speak clearly and calmly.
• If lecturers use a microphone then you can make use of the audio induction loop. Please note: these are not present in all lecture rooms. View the overview per faculty.
• Request written notes before the verbal presentations take place.

Read more

SH-jong, an organisation for deaf young people

• In the case of group work clearly state how you function best. And, for example, that you need a fixed task and clarity.
• Ask the students you work with to confirm appointments and exercises by email. That will help you maintain an overview.
• Try to develop a study routine and adopt a fixed rhythm.
• Look at what is important and make a priority list.
• Make a year, week and day planning.

Read more

Training course time management and study skills via the UM Psychologists
Service Desk Autism(only in Dutch) 

• Ask your lecturers if they have the teaching material in the form that you prefer. For example digitally, printed in a large font or a spoken text. Sometimes presentations are also available digitally.
• Request books, articles, journals and course booklets in good time. Then they can be converted into another form.

Read more

Stichting passend lezen (appropriate reading) (only in Dutch) 

• Ask lecturers to use clear teaching material. With sufficient contrast, large letters, little text per page and a clear layout. Also ask for this in the case of exams

Read more

Stichting passend lezen (appropriate reading)

• During lectures and in study groups make it clear that your speech is difficult to understand or cannot be understood. Then lecturers and your fellow students can take this into account.
• In the case of verbal exams ask for a written alternative or extra time.

Read more

Nederlandse federatie stotteren (Dutch Federation of Stutterers)

• Ask your lecturer for more time to study materials and to make notes. And whether you can do alternative assignments such as a (video) presentation or assignments recorded on audiotape.
• Ask your fellow students if you may use their notes.

• Ask a fellow student to make recordings if you cannot be at the lecture due to teaching rooms that are not accessible. Of course this is only possible if there is not a requirement to be present.
• Ask the lecturer for split computer assignments if computer assignments form to big a burden.
• In some buildings there is a rest room. You can make use of this.