[Students with handicaps at universities in West Germany]

Students with disabilities continue to form but a small group among the university students in the Federal Republic of Germany. Few people are aware of the everyday problems they face, or of the often great efforts needed to overcome them. Initial action has in recent years been taken towards assessing the campus situation and needs of disabled students, and for pointing out potential areas for improvement. The present contribution sums up a research project that has resulted in publication of a handbook for disabled students and those involved in their counselling. Funded by the Federal ministry of education and research, the project had been carried out jointly by Bayerisches Staatsinstitut für Hochschulforschung und Hochschulplanung, Munich, and Deutsches Studentenwerk e.V., Bonn. The social situation of disabled students is presented as a major focus of research. The problems of disabled students as well as improvements already achieved are set out, and steps yet to be taken toward eliminating existing barriers are urged. A comparative glance at the action taken at various universities in the U.S.A. is intended to enhance critical self-assessment, and to provide the impetus for stepping up our own efforts.