European Union Equal Opportunity Drive Initiated by European Commission
University of Jena Discusses Diversity in Education, Focuses on Supporting Students with Disabilities
On Diversity Day held at the University of Jena on May 27, various aspects of diversity and its challenges were discussed, with a significant emphasis on supporting students with ADHD, autism, and other disabilities.
Over 17,000 students at the Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena come from different backgrounds and possess diverse prerequisites, making diversity a daily reality at the university. The event highlighted the obstacles that come with this diversity.
Emphasis on Equal Opportunities
Barbel Kracke, Vice President of the University, underlined the importance of diversity, particularly in teacher training. She stressed that teachers, who encounter the diverse society in schools, should treat it as a task rather than a burden. Students should learn methods to cater to different needs and life realities.
Counseling and Support Services
The Diversity Office serves as a valuable point of contact for students. According to David Green, Diversity Officer, around two-thirds of counseling requests concern students with disabilities, chronic or mental illnesses.
Compensatory Measures
At the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, efforts were directed towards students with ADHD or autism. This includes accommodations such as quieter, less-lit rooms for exams with additional supervision, which help reduce stress.
Ongoing Efforts in Jena
Topics like ADHD, autism, or dyscalculia are garnering importance at universities. In Jena, initiatives are not limited to Diversity Day, but are being integrated into daily studies.
Strategies for supporting students with disabilities can include providing access to accommodations, creating inclusive learning environments, offering support services, integrating technology, raising awareness and education, collaborating with local organizations, and establishing feedback mechanisms. By implementing these strategies, the University of Jena can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with ADHD, autism, and other disabilities.
In alignment with the University of Jena's focus on diversity, strategies for personal growth and education-and-self-development can involve offering accommodations, creating inclusive learning environments, and providing support services for students with disabilities, such as ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. To further promote personal growth, the university can raise awareness and education about these conditions, collaborate with local organizations, and establish feedback mechanisms. These efforts are not just limited to specific events, but are being integrated into daily learning and self-development at the University of Jena.
