Tilburg University to sign ‘Declaration of intent UN Convention higher education institutions'
On September 24, 2019, Tilburg University joined Fontys Hogescholen in signing the Declaration of intent of Dutch institutions for higher education concerning the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Vice-President and member of the Executive Board Paulina Snijders signed on behalf of Tilburg University. The purpose of the Convention is to improve the position of all people with disabilities.
The Convention is based on the principles of inclusion, individual autonomy, and full participation, and it stipulates that people with disabilities enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as accommodation, education, transportation, and work, on an equal basis with others. Expertisecentrum handicap + studie (center of expertise for students with disabilities) offers support to institutions that want to take action.
Student well-being
Photo: Paulissimo.nl
The Convention not only regards students with functional disabilities, chronic illnesses, or psychological complaints, but also institutional policies concerning, for example, students in need of additional support due to limitations resulting from pregnancy and early parenthood, gender transition treatment, and special family circumstances, such as informal care. The Convention also seeks to promote the well-being of all students, which may be affected by the pressure to achieve, financial issues, and the social climate.
Tilburg University’s achievements to date
Tilburg University is working hard to facilitate students with disabilities. For example, it has developed a vision on student well-being, in which an inclusive learning community is key, offering students equal opportunities to achieve academic success. The University also focuses on studying without limitations, which aims to offer students with a physical disability, a chronic illness, psychological complaints, or dyslexia the opportunity to achieve academic success on an equal basis with other students. Preventing or reducing potential progress delays is one of its most important principles.
Best practices
- For many years now, best practices are in place at Tilburg University concerning accessible central registration for test facilities. The uniformity of procedures thus generated offers students and boards of examiners a clear and stable environment. This is confirmed by the CHOI (Center for Higher Education Information) user review.
- At all Tilburg University Schools, PASS mentoring programs are in place, and TSHD offers the Comeniusfunded Resilience Project.
- The TOP Week program reflects the deliberate choice for encouraging national and international students to connect.
- The Teacher Development Team actively seeks to promote inclusive education and to inform lecturers about such themes as functional disabilities, diversity, and available facilities.
- The University’s functional disabilities working group works closely with representatives of the Schools and Services to update and further develop policies for the purpose of promoting inclusive education. The UN Convention serves as a guideline in these efforts.