Accessibility in teaching
Dear lecturers,
We have compiled the following documents/links to help you make your courses and teaching materials as inclusive and accessible as possible. You are welcome to use them when preparing your courses.
Information on the barrier-free and diversity-sensitive design of courses
Information on compensation for disadvantages
Students who, due to a disability or chronic illness, are unable to complete all or part of their studies or examinations in the prescribed examination form and/or duration (in accordance with the examination regulations) can apply for so-called compensation for disadvantages. Further information can be found on the website of the representative for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses. On the website of the Student Service Center (only a German version of this page is currently available) you will find the documents for applying for compensation for disadvantages and information on how to apply.
Checklist for the organization of accessible events
Do you need a guide to organizing an accessible face-to-face event (e.g. courses, symposia)? Here you will find the Diversity Section's checklist on this topic, which contains recommendations ranging from requirements for the venue to the accessible design of forms and the type of documentation.
Checklist for the organization of accessible events (only German version available)
Information on the accessibility of the lecture halls at HHU
Under the following link you will find information on the accessibility of the lecture halls at HHU. Detailed information, e.g. on door width, wheelchair-accessible seating or induction loops, can be found in the detailed view.
Lecture hall list of the HHU (only German version available)
Making digital teaching and examination formats accessible: Tips for lecturers at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Are you planning digital teaching and examination formats and have questions in this regard? This document from the Diversity Section and SeLL on the accessible design of these formats contains general recommendations as well as information on creating accessible digital documents. At this time, both documents are unfortunately only available in German language.
The document is licensed under CC BY 4.0 and can be downloaded here in .docx or pdf format:
Making digital teaching and examination formats accessible (PDF document)
Making digital teaching and examination formats accessible (Word document)
Digital accessibility toolbox
The toolbox created by the ILLIAS community (only availabe in German) summarizes all the findings of the community on the topic of digital accessibility. From the accessibility of ILIAS to possible self-created content, it forms a solid basis for anyone interested in the topic. The PennState acessibility website explains how to ensure Web pages and online documents can be made usable for users with different disabilities. The AEM Center offers a wide array of valuable tools under the tab “create”. The ABilityNet factsheets give detailed information on a wide range of assistive technology, services and related organisations. Many give a step by step guide to help you set up your computer and software (assistive technology) to meet your individual requirements.
ILIAS of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf: Toolbox “Digital Accessibility” (hhu.de)
PennState accessability website
Competence center for digital accessibility
If you would like to know whether your teaching events, (HHU) websites and applications are accessible, you can contact the Competence Center for Digital Accessibility. There you will receive further information on the legally required accessibility test, an assessment of the accessibility of digital media and assistive technologies. The competence center also advises on the implementation of legal accessibility requirements. This website is currently only available in German.
Accessibility checklist for digital teaching
Discover the checklist for accessibility in digital teaching! Published by the Competence Center for Digital Accessibility, this tool helps teachers and educational institutions to create a more inclusive educational environment in digitally supported teaching. From designing accessible online courses to the accessible use of teaching materials, this checklist provides clear guidance and best practice to ensure all learners have equal opportunities
The document is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Accessibility in digital teaching (PDF document, German version)
Self-study courses on the topic of accessibility in teaching
Would you like to learn how to create accessible materials and content? There are self-study courses on the topic of accessibility in teaching in HHU's ILIAS. The following courses are currently available (only in German):
Handout for diversity-sensitive teaching
The handout from the Diversity Section of the Heine Center for Sustainable Development at HHU provides lecturers with information on the various dimensions of diversity in everyday university life. The document also provides many practical tips on how teachers can support students and positively incorporate their diverse backgrounds into teaching. It also presents the various points of contact at HHU that students and staff can turn to for advice and support in dealing with and promoting diversity at the university.
Gender-equitable language
Under this link you will find the current brochure of the Diversity Section of the Heine Center for Sustainable Development at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf on gender-equitable language. The use of this brochure is recommended at HHU.
Designing accessible websites
How can I make my (HHU) website as accessible as possible? In the SeLL document “Making websites accessible” you will find general tips and helpful hints on how to consider accessibility when creating a website in TYPO3. It also presents some ways in which you can check your website for accessibility yourself. Unfortunately, these documents are only availabe in German at this point in time.
The document is licensed under CC BY 4.0 and can be downloaded here in .docx or pdf format:
Designing websites for accessibility (PDF document.
Designing websites for accessibility (Word document)
General information for teachers and students
Flyer on studying with a disability at HHU
This flyer provides information about all the important counseling services offered by the Counseling Center of the Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses (BBST).
Flyer: Studying with a disability? This is how it works! (German version)
Information on the infrastructure at HHU
The BBSt of HHU provides an overview of the spatial conditions at HHU on its website. There you will find information on the accessibility of lecture halls, quiet rooms, disabled toilets and parking spaces.
Inclusion agreement of the HHU
Under the link below you will find the Inclusion Agreement of Heinrich Heine University, which is an integral part of the university's diversity strategy. It sets out measures and their implementation in order to create the conditions for supporting people with disabilities in working life at HHU.
Flyer “Advice centers for HHU students”
Our flyer for advice centers for HHU students is now available. With all contact details and a campus map, it provides a clear overview of the wide range of support services on campus, making it easier to find the right help.
Whether in challenging situations, in crises, for psychological or psychotherapeutic support, financial emergencies, experiences of diversity and discrimination or for student parents - our flyer is the perfect companion for anyone looking for advice on campus.
Flyer “Counseling sessions in stressful situations: A guide”
Particular stressful situations occur time and again: whether in work contexts, during studies, during doctoral studies or in other qualification phases. As a line manager and/or supervisor, you may notice changes or stress in employees and supervisees. At the same time, however, it can be a challenge to deal with such situations. The philGrad guidelines will help you to seek a conversation and offer support.
Click here for the flyer “Counseling sessions in stressful situations: A guide” (German version)