Disability support service

ARRANGEMENTS FOR COURSES AND/OR EXAMS
 

The Institute provides specific adjustments (i.e. extra time for assignments and exams, and other special adjustments) for students with:

• a physical disability (reduced mobility, impaired vision or hearing, etc.)
• a chronic and/or autoimmune disease
• mental disorder/illness (depression, bipolarity, schizophrenia, etc.)
• learning disabilities/language and/or movement disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysorthographia, dyspraxia, etc.)
• autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• attention-deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• other disorders  (case-by-case study)

Here’s how to request special adjustments:

1. Whenever possible, special adjustments should be requested before the start of the academic year (semester for exchange students).c
    
2. Submit the Individual Student Support Agreement form (ISSA) online
   
   CLICK HERE
    
3. Send a medical certificate* or previous university report including your special needs to wellbeing-support@graduateinstitute.ch.
   
   GUIDELINES ON MEDICAL CERTIFICATES

Examining the accommodation request and decision: The office of Direction of Studies examines special adjustments requests and sends its decisions to the Wellbeing & Support Service.

Confirmation and application of the adjustments:

- Once confirmed, the adjustments are communicated to the teaching staff by the programme manager. Neither medical nor personal information will be shared.
- Students are, however, responsible for contacting their professors for the practical implementation of the arrangement.
- The adjustments are valid for the entire current curriculum (except in special cases or for temporary arrangements for which an annual reassessment is necessary).

Service dogs: Service dogs are allowed in the Institute’s student residences and on the Campus de la paix provided that they are certified by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dog International (ADI). The owner will also need to supply a medical certificate for the dog. Students concerned are requested to contact the wellbeing-support@graduateinstitute.ch at the time of their admission to the Institute.

Contact – Questions:

Wellbeing & Support Service
Email : wellbeing-support@graduateinstitute.ch
Phone : +41 22 908 43 84

Here’s how to request a leave of absence:

In the case of an accident, sudden chronic illness or incapacity reducing the ability to take the exams, temporary arrangements can be made when possible.

In this case, a written email request must be submitted to directionetudes@graduateinstitute.ch with the online form Request for leave of absence, together with a medical certificate justifying and detailing the requested adjustments, with a three-working day minimum before the exam.
 

REDUCED MOBILITY: ACCESS IN AND AROUND THE INSTITUTE
 

On the webpage International Geneva you will find a map (picture) which shows you the location of the Maison de la Paix, the distance to the two student residences and many International Organisations.

Another map (graphic) is available on our page visiting us.

The conference room, classroom, library, restaurant, cafeteria and offices are accessible for people with disabilities.

Toilets for disabled persons are located in Petal 1 (next to the entrance) and at the library.
 

ADAPTED HOUSING
 

The Geneva Graduate Institute’s student residences have a limited number of adapted apartments for students with wheelchairs. Please contact the housing administration directly. 

There is also a directory of accessible housing options in the Canton of Geneva. The Swiss Association Pro Infirmis will be pleased to provide all necessary information.

The Association Procap provides an online real estate exchange for accessible apartments. It commits itself to prioritising disabled persons who are interested in an accessible apartment. Please contact them directly.
 

PERSONALISED CAREER SERVICE
 

If you are concerned by a particular handicap, the team at our Career Service proposes you an individual and personalised accompaniment for your internship and job research. They work hand in hand with our Wellbeing & Support Service. All situations are treated confidentially.

For questions and organising a meeting with them, please contact career@graduateinstitute.ch