General informations

Students with hearing impairments face numerous challenges that can hinder their academic success. As part of efforts to create an inclusive university, they—like students with other disabilities or chronic illnesses—should be given access to tertiary education and lifelong learning, and thus be able to study on an equal footing. Below are some support and communication options for hard-of-hearing, deaf, or deafened students.

Sign language and speech-to-text interpreters

Hearing-impaired students rely on the support of specialized sign language interpreters and/or speech-to-text interpreters in lectures, exercises, and other courses. In Vienna, deaf and hard-of-hearing students can contact the GESTU competence and service center, which organizes and coordinates sign language and speech-to-text interpreters or note-takers.

Students with hearing impairments are also entitled to compensation for disadvantages in their studies and exams (alternative examination methods), such as:

  • Provision of written materials in advance of the course
  • Use of note-taking assistants
  • Support from individual subject tutors in preparing for and following up on courses
  • Use of sign language interpreters during exams 

Technical aids at BOKU

  • Inductive FM system: At BOKU, seminar room SR 20 DG (Oskar Simony Haus, Peter-Jordan-Straße 65, 1180 Vienna) is equipped with an inductive FM system.
  • Directional microphones: If several people are involved in a discussion
  • Mobile inductive audio devices: These can be borrowed free of charge from the BOKU IT Media Center at BOKU.

Overview of financial support

  • Increased study grant: For more information, see the website oesterreich.gv.at
  • Study support: For more information, see the scholarship office website.
  • Ministry of Social Affairs subsidies: For more information, see the Ministry of Social Affairs website.
  • ÖH social fund: For more information, see the ÖH-BOKU website.
  • SOKRATES/ERASMUS mobility scholarship: For more information, see the OeaD website.

In general, Section 92(1)(6) of the University Act provides for the waiver of tuition fees for students with disabilities. Further information on this can be found on the Student Services website.

 

Studying and working with hearing impairment - Communication without barriers
 

Weitere Informationen zum Thema Hörbehinderung finden Sie bei folgenden Verbänden und Vereinen:

Further information on hearing impairment can be found at the following associations and organizations:

Apps to support communication with hearing-impaired people

  • Lectary: Easy-to-use sign language learning app with audio and video; lesson-based dictionary; available free of charge.
  • ISignIT app; this app from the Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics (→ PLRI) ensures basic communication in sign language in hospitals or doctors' offices. 

 

What are the challenges of studying?

In everyday student life, students with hearing impairments can encounter various obstacles, for example:

  • understanding lectures and seminars acoustically, which makes it difficult to take complete notes,
  • actively participating in group work or discussions,
  • taking oral exams, especially in acoustically difficult environments,
  • and requiring preferential treatment in the registration system to ensure suitable conditions.
     

How can the university provide support?

Support and accommodation measures for students with hearing impairments

The following measures can be helpful in ensuring that students with hearing impairments have equal access to courses:

 

Teaching and learning materials

  • Provision of digital documents in advance
  • Use of visual elements (e.g., presentations, blackboard drawings, subtitles) during the lecture
  • Permission or opportunity to record lectures

Communication and presentation design

  • When speaking, do not stand with your back to the audience.
  • Use induction loops or portable wireless microphone systems.
  • For group discussions: Use FM devices and ensure that participants do not speak at the same time.

Support staff

Involvement of sign language and written interpreters in courses and examinations

Consideration of interpreters or tutors in room planning, space requirements, communication (e.g., in case of cancellations), access to materials, and learning platforms
(Tip: Treat interpreters or tutors like regular students and put them on the attendance list.)