On 26 March 2024, the National Student Union (LSVb) published an action plan setting out how to tackle the biggest bottlenecks in housing for students with disabilities. The union notes that finding suitable housing for this group is particularly complex. Good information, guidance and availability of adapted housing are often lacking. Municipalities, educational institutions and student housing providers have already responded enthusiastically to the union’s initiative to tackle this issue. LSVb chair Elisa Weehuizen: “Studying with a disability involves considerably more obstacles than for other students. This is not due to ability, but to environmental factors in educational institutions and student housing. This action plan offers much-needed support for educational institutions, housing providers and other relevant parties to tackle this issue. With the right priorities, a significant improvement in equal opportunities for students with disabilities is within reach.”
Read the action plan here: Living without barriers, Action plan for housing for students with disabilities
What are the problems?
Studying with a disability presents various challenges. These range from requesting additional facilities to accessing buildings, finding appropriate support and searching for accommodation. As a result, students are often unable to move to the city where they study and find it difficult to attend classes and complete their studies. This not only makes the education system inaccessible, but also promotes social isolation among a vulnerable group. No less than 40% of students in the Netherlands have a disability (Monitor beleidsmaatregelen hoger onderwijs 2022-2023). ‘Students feel that they are up against a system that is not designed for them, and it is often difficult to find adequate support. As a result, their time at university is more about practical obstacles than about studying and gaining experience,’ according to the union.
The action plan
The action plan of the National Student Union is a strategic initiative to tackle the biggest bottlenecks in the area of housing for students with disabilities. The plan focuses on three key pillars: information provision, guidance and availability of adapted housing. The National Student Survey shows that there is still much room for improvement in the area of information provision. Facilities are not always easy to find and there are significant differences between municipalities. The action plan also emphasises the importance of available housing with good facilities. In addition, the union argues that educational institutions and local authorities should play a greater role in actively approaching and supporting students who need help, to prevent this group from slipping through the net.
What next?
The LSVb calls on educational institutions, local authorities and housing associations to work together to improve the housing situation for students with disabilities. Weehuizen: ‘Good solutions require a thorough analysis of the problem. With this action plan, we are taking a big step towards providing clarity about the problems faced by students with disabilities and offering solutions. Given the daily challenges students face in finding suitable housing, we must now work together to ensure accessible education for all.’