Having a disability or chronic illness does not have to prevent anyone from being able to study at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie. It is important to us that our study programmes are readily available to all students. The academy wishes to make provisions in consultation with the students in question to reduce or eliminate the circumstances that make study difficult. The underlying principle is that students are approached in an unbiased manner and that they have the necessary modifications at their disposal in advance.

The Rietveld Academie has drawn up the studying with a disability or chronic illness scheme for this purpose. In order to make use of this scheme, the student must report his/her disability or illness at the beginning of the study programme. 

Before the start of the academic year, each student receives a form by e-mail on which to indicate if he/she could possibly encounter impediments caused by a certain condition/disability. After this form is filled out and returned, if desired, a consultation with the student counselor can be arranged to discuss possible adjustments.

This consultation will be scheduled in October, as at the start of the program it usually is not clear yet whether the student will be impeded by the condition/disability.

The student counsellor and the student will look at what is needed to be able to follow the study programme. Modifications will be made in consultation with the degree programme and lecturers will be informed.

There will be regular reviews to determine whether adjustments are needed.

By the specific nature of its education, the Rietveld Academie does not offer standard facilities as are often provided in mainstream education. Usually, identified impediments can easily be solved individually, at department level or with guidance of the student counselor. 

When certain disabilities require more substantial adjustments, an appropriate solution will be sought.

Through this scheme we aim to help students to follow their studies successfully. After all, the focus at the Rietveld Academie is on talent development, with or without disabilities.

For more information contact: mirjam.mazurel[at]rietveldacademie.nl