Counselling for Students with Special Needs
Tallinn University of Technology is guided by the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to receive education that is appropriate and supportive for them. We focus on applying universal design, providing support services and counselling, enabling students with special needs to access study buildings and dormitories, and supporting their most independent and active participation in student life.
NB! Students have the right to take academic leave for up to two semesters at their own request and for up to four semesters for health-related reasons.
A student with special needs is a learner who requires additional support or accommodations in the organisation of studies and the learning environment in order to achieve the learning outcomes. The need for support may arise from health-related reasons, such as a long-term health condition or a mental or physical condition that affects learning.
1. Accommodations in Teaching and Application Process
TalTech aims to ensure that the individual needs and rights of students with documented special needs are taken into account in the organisation of studies. Below is an overview of who is considered a student with special needs, what supporting documentation is required, what accommodations may be provided, and what the student’s role is in the process.
Accommodations may be requested by a student with special needs who has a long-term, documented health condition or disability (physical, sensory, psychological, or cognitive) that significantly affects studying or taking examinations.
Examples include, but are not limited to: mobility impairment, visual or hearing impairment, chronic illness, learning difficulties, and long-term mental health conditions.
Acceptable supporting documentation includes:
- a medical diagnosis and/or a medical specialist’s certificate, including recommendations regarding accommodations;
- a disability assessment decision or disability certificate issued by the Estonian Social Insurance Board;
- a certificate or decision confirming reduced work ability issued by the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund.
The documentation must confirm that the need for accommodations is justified. Please provide only the medical information necessary to demonstrate the need for accommodations. Where possible, please omit any other health information that is not relevant to processing the application.
After the application has been submitted, the Counselling Centre will review it and, if the request is justified, issue an accommodation confirmation within 30 days.
What accommodations may TalTech provide?
- extended time in examinations;
- a separate or quieter examination room;
- an alternative assessment format (e.g. oral instead of written, or vice versa);
- changes to the format of study materials (e.g. larger font);
- flexible deadlines, within reasonable limits;
- alternative arrangements for giving presentations;
- rest breaks during examinations;
- practical accessibility-related accommodations;
- permission for a sign language interpreter, speech-to-text interpreter, or support person to attend classes or examinations;
- permission to use a laptop during examinations and assessments;
- grammar errors not being taken into account when assessing assignments and examinations, provided that correct grammar is not one of the learning outcomes of the course.
This list is illustrative rather than exhaustive. Accommodations are considered individually based on the student’s needs and circumstances.
Accommodations can only be implemented if the lecturer responsible for the relevant course agrees and is able to provide the accommodation without compromising the achievement of the course learning outcomes. The University cannot guarantee that every requested accommodation can be implemented.
At TalTech, the student is responsible for initiating and coordinating the accommodation request process.
Student Responsibilities and Step-by-Step Guide
You must have a valid document proving your special needs (see above). Obtaining the document may take time, so we recommend starting the application process well in advance.
Think through the following:
which accommodations you need in order to study at the university. Please note that your brief explanation of why you need the accommodation will also appear on the accommodation confirmation and be visible to your lecturers.
review the possible accommodations offered by TalTech and, if desired, make a list for yourself;
if you need help understanding your need for accommodations or obtaining them, contact the advisor for students with special needs ([email protected]) or book a counselling appointment.
Complete the application for study accommodations
Attach the supporting document.
Send the digitally signed application together with the supporting document to the Counselling Centre ([email protected]).
After the electronic application has been submitted, the Counselling Centre will review the application and supporting document and issue a digitally signed, reasoned confirmation of the accommodations within 30 working days.
The confirmation provides the student with a basis for requesting the accommodations specified in it from the lecturer. Accommodations are implemented separately for each course.
The Counselling Centre does not decide which specific accommodations will be implemented in a particular course. It confirms that the submitted supporting document is valid and that the request for accommodations is justified.
The student must:
contact the lecturer(s) of the relevant course(s);
present the “confirmation of accommodations” received from the Counselling Centre, together with the list of accommodations;
ask whether the lecturer can implement these accommodations within the framework of the specific course.
NB! The student does not need to show the lecturer any medical document related to their health.
The implementation of accommodations must be agreed separately with the lecturer for each course. Therefore, at the beginning of each semester, or when the need arises, the student must contact the lecturer of the course in which accommodations are needed. This may be done when retaking the same course or while attending another course taught by the same lecturer.
The confirmation of adjustments is valid for the semester in which it is issued and the following semester.
During the confirmation’s validity period, the student does not need to submit a new application to the Counselling Centre. However, the implementation of accommodations must be agreed separately with the lecturer for each course. After the confirmation expires, a new application must be submitted if the need for accommodations continues.
Important Notes for Students
Start the process early-before the beginning of the semester or as soon as the need arises. Reviewing the application and communicating with the lecturer may take time. Accommodations are implemented only after an agreement has been reached with the lecturer and cannot be applied retroactively.
Be prepared to explain why the requested accommodations are necessary for you in the particular course.
If the lecturer cannot implement a specific accommodation, they may, where possible, help find an alternative that can be provided in the course.
The university does not provide automatic or identical accommodations for all courses.
2. Applying to become a student
If you have questions about the admissions process or possible accommodation, contact the admissions specialist as early as possible. While TalTech cannot make exemptions to the general entrance requirements, certain accommodations can be applied in entrance tests (e.g., extended time).
3. Counselling
Students with special needs can receive information and guidance on topics such as:
- applying to university and studying,
- Accommodations in the physical learning environment,
- study arrangements,
- housing conditions,
- extracurricular activities,
- opportunities for applying for support and scholarships.
For best study and living conditions, we recommend informing the university about your special needs early by contacting the counsellor for students with special needs, a designated contact person, or your faculty.
Counselling is FREE for students with special needs.
Booking counselling: You can book an appointment here via our online booking link.
4. Scholarships and Support
To help cover additional costs arising from disability or special needs and study-related expenses, students are encouraged to apply for various supports and scholarships. Detailed information is provided under “Support and Services.”
TalTech encourages students with special needs to participate in all aspects of university life as much as possible (e.g., international weeks, student exchanges like Erasmus, student union activities, course events, youth exchanges, European Voluntary Service).
We continuously develop and improve our services and welcome your constructive suggestions for better organizing higher education studies and the supporting activities for learners with special needs.