Legal and demographic security of students with disabilities in the education system in Germany

Abstract

The legal protection of students with disabilities in the Germany education system is based on several key principles that aim to ensure equal access to education. The article reveals key legislative acts and mechanisms that provide legal protection. It is emphasized that Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz): Article 3 of the German Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. In Germany, there are student committees and organizations that deal with accessibility issues. The Law on Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz, BGG), which provides equal access to education, work and social life for persons with disabilities, is analyzed. Specialized organizations and lawyers help students resolve conflicts. The Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB IX), which regulates the rights to rehabilitation and integration of persons with disabilities, including their education, is separately considered. Students can apply to special commissions of universities or relevant state institutions if their rights are violated. It found that Germany also adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which calls for inclusive education at all levels of education. Most universities have representatives to protect the rights of students with disabilities. Highlighted is the Anti-Discrimination Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG), which protects students from all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of disability, in all aspects of public life, including education. BAföG (Federal Education Assistance Act) provides financial assistance to students with disabilities. German legislation obliges schools, universities and vocational training institutions to ensure the adaptation of the educational process. For this, special services have been created, such as: access to buildings (barrier-free environment, elevators, ramps), educational materials in accessible formats (braille, e-books, audio), personalized study plans, tutors or assistants for support. The German education system strives to create conditions in which all students, regardless of their health status, are able to realize their potential.The legal protection of students with disabilities in the Germany education system is based on several key principles that aim to ensure equal access to education. The article reveals key legislative acts and mechanisms that provide legal protection. It is emphasized that Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz): Article 3 of the German Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. In Germany, there are student committees and organizations that deal with accessibility issues. The Law on Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz, BGG), which provides equal access to education, work and social life for persons with disabilities, is analyzed. Specialized organizations and lawyers help students resolve conflicts. The Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB IX), which regulates the rights to rehabilitation and integration of persons with disabilities, including their education, is separately considered. Students can apply to special commissions of universities or relevant state institutions if their rights are violated. It found that Germany also adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which calls for inclusive education at all levels of education. Most universities have representatives to protect the rights of students with disabilities. Highlighted is the Anti-Discrimination Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG), which protects students from all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of disability, in all aspects of public life, including education. BAföG (Federal Education Assistance Act) provides financial assistance to students with disabilities. German legislation obliges schools, universities and vocational training institutions to ensure the adaptation of the educational process. For this, special services have been created, such as: access to buildings (barrier-free environment, elevators, ramps), educational materials in accessible formats (braille, e-books, audio), personalized study plans, tutors or assistants for support. The German education system strives to create conditions in which all students, regardless of their health status, are able to realize their potential.