DISABLED STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATION

1. DISABLED STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATION LINK Network Conference YOU + I = TOGETHER The Slovenian Association of Disabled Students and the Special Education Association of Slovenia Ljubljana, 10th September 2009 Marina Očko

2. NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME Resolution on the 2007-2010 national higher education programme • among main guidelines and objectives = improving study conditions for students with special needs • various student categories – including disabled students • higher education integration is a challenge • definition: disabled students are individuals who due to longterm physical, mental, intelectual or sensory impairement are faced with obstacles, which prevent or hinder their full and effective integration and participation in the educational process.

3. NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME Resolution on the 2007-2010 national higher education programme for individuals with special needs, appropriately organized and adjusted study process must be assured as well as relevant study obligation adjustments made one should: remove educational obstacles, remove architectural obstacles, establish adjusted communication infrastructure, provide support services and aid provision, provide tutoring relevant study programme adjustments and their realization could be funded as development tasks In cooperation with other state agencies, we will promote legislative regulation of the disabled student issue.

4. Higher education act does not in any way discriminate against disabled students. All articles are written in such way, that they stand for the disabled too. The act leaves certain decision to the implementing regulation – in such cases the disabled students are explicitly stated. They are explicitly stated in the case of enrolment – when enrolling at restricted study programmes, disabled students are given special consideration. The same goes for admission to student halls of residence. The rules on higher education enrolment Under specific conditions, the list of accepted students includes candidates with special needs, who fulfil general requirements for admission Decision in such cases is taken by the higher education institution designated body on the basis of individual application and relevant supporting documents These candidates can (at admission and any time later) request the status of a student with special needs Their study process is regulated by higher education institutions statutes, for these institutions are independent at deciding their study and examination regime HIGHER EDUCATION ACT AND ITS PROVISIONS

5. According to article 238 of the University of Ljubljana statute, students with the status of a student with special needs can have their student status exceptionally extended. This status can be acquired at admission on the basis of opinion of the commission for guiding children with special needs or opinion of the commission for the disabled. Nevertheless, the mode of fulfilling academic requirements and the conditions for progress to the next year of study are determined by the rules of individual university members. A similar procedure is set by the University of Primorska statutes (article 168), however adding that acquiring the status is determined by the university rules. The University of Primorska has also accepted a special set of Rules on students with special needs. According to the University of Maribor statutes (article 216), disabled students are entitled to special adjustments of their study programmes considering lectures, seminars, exercises and examinations. The scope of adjustments is decided for individuals by the commission for student affairs of the university member. At the University of Maribor there is also a special set of rules on the study process of disabled students. HIGHER EDUCATION ACT AND ITS PROVISIONS

6. Rules on subsidising student accommodation Subsidy is granted for the person assisting a disabled student too, if he/she fulfils certain conditions The assistant must be a citizen of the republic of Slovenia and have a student status In individual cases one can get 100 extra points, if he/she submits supporting documents proving a socially and medically disadvantaged standing In exceptional circumstances (at least 80% disability, severe illness, grave social hardship etc.), the application for admission or extension of one’s stay in student halls of residence can be submitted even during the academic year. HIGHER EDUCATION ACT AND ITS PROVISIONS

7. Public tenders for funding development tasks Among the criteria for choosing study programmes More points for programmes promoting modern study methods (e.g. tutoring) and attaining improvement and adjustments for students with special needs Budget funds for higher education Projects aimed at removing architectural, educational and other obstacles and providing extra equipment needed by disabled students Investments take into consideration environmental legislation Ensuring adequate architectural, technical and study conditions is nevertheless in the hands of study programme provider Our data shows that many buildings already have ensured access for the disabled, necessary lifts etc The rest are in the process of introducing the necessary improvements ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

8. Data on the admission form Higher education act and its provisions Investment Rules of the statutes and other higher education institution acts ACTIVITIES in the future