Students with a disability or chronic illness have the right to full participation in their education – they have the right to inclusion. This is stipulated by national and international law. But what exactly do terms such as disability, inclusion and diversity mean?

Diversity at the University of Basel

In its Diversity Statement, the University of Basel expressed its firm commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion:

“As a place of work and education for around 19,000 people from over 100 countries, the University of Basel both relies on and is committed to diversity. The University of Basel values the varied experiences and perspectives of its employees and students and fosters the diverse potential of them regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, cultural background, language, social or professional status, lifestyle, political conviction, sexual orientation or disability.”

Disability

Today, disabilities are no longer understood as a unilateral deficit on the part of the affected person, but rather as the effect of an interplay between individual and societal factors. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines disability as follows:

“Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

This definition of disability also appears on the website of Inclusion Handicap, the umbrella organisation of Swiss organisations of disabled persons. “Full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others” is also known as inclusion.

Chronic illness

Chronic and mental illnesses can have a similarly disabling effect in daily life. In addition, they are often invisible. Students with chronic illnesses may therefore need the same support as students with mobility or sensory impairments.

Inclusion

Inclusion means that all people can participate in society with equal self-determination and with the full range of choices. It also means that aids and compensations for disadvantage are provided as a matter of course and do not have to be fought for individually in each case. In order to guarantee inclusion, institutions such as the university must remove any obstacles proactively.

Accessibility

Accessibility means that the obstacles for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses are removed or compensated for. In the context of university studies, this means that:

---

• Buildings, rooms and teaching and learning spaces are accessible
• Communication is adapted to students’ needs
• Teaching methods and teaching/study materials are adapted to students’ needs
• Schedules are adapted where necessary
• Examinations and other proofs of performance can be individualised to meet students’ needs
• Flexible handling of new challenges at every level.

---