For many, studying means independence, freedom, and the prospect of new opportunities. It is a phase of life in which responsibilities still seem manageable and the ‘serious side of life’ has not quite set in yet. But this is not the case for all students.
Published on 19 August 2026
Some need a wheelchair, whilst for others the disability is invisible: according to the German Student Services Organisation (Deutsches Studierendenwerk), around 16 per cent of students in Germany have a disability that makes studying more difficult. In addition to physical disabilities, this also includes chronic and mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD or forms of autism. At THWS, too, this affects several hundred students. Just as each person’s condition is unique, so too is the day-to-day experience of university life for those affected.
Between lecture rooms, wheelchairs, and coursework deadlines
“My condition affects all my muscles, so my time at university was certainly marked by uncertainty when walking, and that’s why my writing was slower too,” says Zoe Gräf. She studied Social Work at THWS from 2018 to 2022 and lives with Friedreich’s ataxia. This is a rare progressive genetic disorder of the nervous system that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. During her studies, Zoe switched from a rollator to a wheelchair, which made heavy doors, short distances and lecture rooms with steep rows of seats a daily challenge for her. “I ended up sitting in the second or third row,” she explains, adding that sitting in the higher rows of the lecture room was not an option for her, “because it was just too difficult for me”. Even though she would have preferred otherwise: “I often pushed myself beyond my limits and ended up moving up another row after all.” Things that other students hardly give a second thought to, such as the walk to the canteen or trips to the loo, Zoe had to plan in advance and accept that there are some things she simply cannot do in the same way as others.
Looking back, she says that having someone to guide her through everyday student life would have been a great help. And although she herself made use of accommodations, such as extended time limits, it was difficult to obtain them in the first place, as it was often unclear to her who she should turn to. “It just creates a huge amount of uncertainty,” she emphasises. Often, those affected are held back by uncertainty, a desire for independence and a fear of stigmatisation when making such decisions. However, once the decision has been made to make use of the support services available at THWS, Professor Dr. Tobias Aubele acts as a central point of contact.
Inclusion as a responsibility for the entire University
Since the 2025/26 winter semester, Professor Dr. Aubele has been the representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses at THWS. He coordinates support services, advises those affected and refers them to the appropriate departments within THWS. The website also features many other support services, such as a guide that provides comprehensive information for students to carry out their own independent research.
Professor Dr. Aubele emphasises that inclusion is not merely a matter of physical accessibility measures. Equally crucial is awareness in everyday university life, amongst both teaching staff and students: “Inclusion means that I help shape how we interact and that there is no difference,” says Professor Dr. Aubele.
As well as measures to compensate for disadvantages, this also involves initiatives for teaching staff, who can find out about the accessibility options available to students for their lessons and field trips, amongst other things. “It would be good if lecturers could take a slightly broader view of the issue,” he emphasises, noting that whilst there is much talk of artificial intelligence, fundamental aspects of inclusion – such as accessible PDFs – are still not a given in some courses.
Where students can find support services
An important point of contact, which is also listed on the website, is the Contact and Information Centre for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses, or KIS for short. Klara Straub is one of several student support officers at KIS. “Most of the time, it’s about how to organise your studies yourself, and that’s where I provide support,” she explains. The role of a student support officer involves developing learning strategies, setting realistic goals, and creating structure. It’s about helping students find their own way through their studies – in other words, helping them to help themselves. Empathy is a key requirement for this work. This is because the student support service is aimed at students with a wide range of conditions, ranging from depression, anxiety disorders or ADHD to autism. As this may involve highly personal and confidential information, the work carried out by KIS is also subject to a duty of confidentiality. Personal concerns therefore remain protected, creating a space where problems can be openly discussed and reflected upon. “So please get in touch with us. We’re here to help and support you,” urges Klara Straub. After all, mental health conditions and neurodiverse experiences in particular often go unnoticed in everyday university life. This makes it all the more important to foster an atmosphere where it’s okay to ask questions and where seeking support isn’t stigmatised.
Why many students are still hesitant
But why is it that students find it so difficult to ask for help? Despite the support services available, many students hit a wall at a very basic level: a lack of awareness of what support is on offer. A lack of knowledge about where to turn and no clear idea of who to contact within their degree programme – just as was the case with Zoe Gräf. Added to this are structural barriers when consultation hours are offered exclusively face-to-face: “This can be more challenging for some,” explains Klara Straub. Previous negative experiences with institutions or support systems also play a role. These can sometimes lead to a lack of trust or mean that help is not sought in the first place. Last but not least, some of those affected find it difficult to admit to themselves that they need more support than they are currently receiving.
Towards an inclusive society
As well as building, structural and advisory measures, other things can also make a difference to those affected in their everyday lives: showing understanding, for example, being mindful of others, or simply lending a sympathetic ear can be a great help. The approach to support can be as individual as the limitations faced by those affected. At THWS, there is a wide range of support services available. Accessible learning spaces, personalised advice, academic support and services provided by the student health management team ensure that any disadvantages faced by those affected can be compensated for. After all, the aim is not preferential treatment, but equal opportunities. However, everyone must take the first step themselves: asking for support, i.e. making enquiries and drawing attention to their personal situation. Through mindfulness, openness and dialogue with and amongst one another, we can create a study environment in which all students feel seen, heard and supported.
Coordinator for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses at THWS
Prof. Dr. Tobias Aubele
E-mail: studierenmitbehinderung@thws.de
Telephone: +49 931 3511-6096
Further information on studying with a disability or chronic illness at THWS
General Student Advisory Service and Contact and Information Centre for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (KIS) at the University of Würzburg
Sandra Mölter M.A. und Klara Straub
E-mail: kis[at]uni-wuerzburg.de
Telephone: +49 931 31-84052
Am Hubland, canteen annexe
97074 Würzburg
Further Information on KIS
Studierendenwerk Würzburg (Würzburg Student Services)
Support and advice for students with health conditions and/or disabilities
Pia Lenhard
E-mail: sozialberatung@swerk-wue.de
Telephone: +49 931 8005-228
Further information on counselling services provided by the Würzburg Student Services Organisation
Lower Franconia Crisis Service – Help with mental health emergencies
Telephone: 0800-6553000
Further information on the Lower Franconia Crisis Service
This article was written as part of the master's programme in Trade Journalism and Corporate Communication.
