• Constitution: it states that everyone in the Netherlands must be treated equally. Discrimination because of religion, belief, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation or on any other ground is not allowed (article 1 2)
• Schools in higher education are required to make accommodations for students with disabilities. The Equal Treatment on the Basis of Disability or Chronic Illness Act (Wgbh/cz) states that reasonable adjustments must be provided to students with disabilities (Articles 2 and 4). When assessing the accreditation of a program in higher education, accessibility for students with disabilities is included as an aspect (WHW, Article 5.12 and Article 5.23 paragraph 3d).
• The UN Convention on Disability, which came into force in the Netherlands in 2016, also states that all parts of the education system must be accessible to students with support needs. This therefore also applies to assessments and exams (UN Committee on Disability, CRPD/C/GC/4, §22).

Definition of disability

What we all mean by the term "disability" is not clearly reflected in the legislation. The UN Convention defines persons with disabilities as "persons with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments. The Wgbh/cz states that disabilities and chronic illnesses can be physical, mental or psychological in nature. The Human Rights Board says "all long-term physical, mental and psychological impairments that may prevent persons from participating fully, effectively and on an equal basis with others in society.

• Study choice (check) and admission: : students who apply for their studies by May 1 are entitled to a study choice check. Everyone with the necessary diploma is entitled to admission to higher education. In some cases a selection takes place, or there are additional admission requirements. 
• Apply or switch studies: read the frequently asked questions and answers on the study choice123 website.
• Student statute (Article 7.59. Student statute): a collection of rights and obligations of the student, partly about the entire educational institution and program-specific. You will be referred to this when registering for a programme. 
• OER: the education and examination regulations contain rules and practical information about your program. You will receive this when you start your programme.
• Free curriculum in academic education: as a student in academic education you can compile your own curriculum.  

Should you have problems with the school, you can also contact:

• https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/rechten-van-mensen-met-een-handicap/gelijke-behandeling-mensen-met-beperking-of-chronische-ziekte
• College voor de Rechten van de Mens
• https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005682/2022-05-01
• https://vvonderwijsrecht.nl/

Are you interested in what you can get for extra guidance?

Check out the facilities, accommodations or arrangements that may be able to help you.

Check out the Hulpwijzer (available only in Dutch) for organizations that can assist you with their expertise regarding your specific needs. Additionally, you will find tools that might provide further support.

• Read here the tips that can help you for more study success.
• Have a look at the other facilities, accommodations or schemes that might be helpful for you, too.

• Read other people's experience stories here.
• Share your experience story too. With your experience story, you can give others, such as education professionals and fellow students, an insight into what goes well and what could be better when studying with a support need. An inspiration source with tips, hints and flops. Together with you, ECIO provides an experience story with impa