Applying for disability support
If you have a physical, psychological or sensory disability, a chronic illness or a condition such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism or Crohn's disease, you can request various services and facilities to support you in your studies at Maastricht University (UM).
Steps to apply for support and facilities at UM
Please take the following steps to apply for disability support well before you begin your studies, as the process can take approximately six weeks.
- Obtain an official medical statement (in Dutch or English) about your disability or chronic illness, including a signature from a certified medical professional. A statement from an alternative medical practitioner is not sufficient. In the case of dyslexia, you must submit a complete dyslexia statement including your psychodiagnostics report.
- Submit your medical statement and a clear description of your capabilities, limitations and the specific support you need to Disability Support by email at disability@maastrichtuniversity.nl. Include your student ID number in the email if you already have one.
- If you think you may have a disability or are currently obtaining a diagnosis, please also inform Disability Support at this stage as you may be eligible for some facilities. If you have a referral letter, please send this along with your notification.
Disability Support will assess your request and draw up an Advice Allotment Facilities (AAF) that will be sent to the Board of Examiners.
The Board of Examiners of your faculty will take the final decision about the services and facilities that will be offered to you.
Confidentiality and consent
Without your express consent, your confidential details will not be shared among UM staff, except for those involved in providing the services and facilities you request. This group includes the Board of Examiners, study adviser(s) and exam coordinators of your faculty, as well as the Disability Support team members.
If we believe it is necessary to share information with other UM employees, we will always seek your consent and discuss this with you first. You have control over how and with whom you communicate about your condition and how it may affect your studies, as well as about the support you need from our staff.
Additional resources
- Individual study allowance at the Municipality of Maastricht (in Dutch): If you have a disability or chronic illness that prevents you from working, you can apply for individual study allowance in the municipality where you live.
- Regelhulp, a guide for finding support facilities (in Dutch): This is a guide from the Dutch government for helping anyone who needs care and support to find the facilities available.
- ECIO, Expert centre on inclusive education: ECIO provides informational resources on inclusive education in the Netherlands.