The Advisory and Accessibility Structure at D.U.Th. was founded by Senate’s decision no. 40/51/12.12.2017. It started to run its operation in 2018 and it was initially funded by the Partnership Agreement for Development Framework (PADF) via the Act "Supporting the Interventions of DUTH Student Social Welfare".  

Aim

The promotion of constructive learning, academic success and socialization of DUTH students with special needs and disabilities.

Objective

• Equal access to educational activities of students with special needs and disabilities through the adaptation of the learning environment, the utilization of supportive information technologies and the provision of services that facilitate access to the university areas and knowledge.
• Personal development and enhancement of social life for students with special needs and disabilities, in and out of training areas.

More specifically, the Advisory and Accessibility Structure promotes activities for the treatment of issues that are related to the following areas:

• Studies: learning difficulties, difficulties in studying and understanding, difficulties in decision making, inability to concentrate, exam stress, incompatibility of educational facilities, means and materials due to disability,
• Academic life: difficulties in adapting to the educational environment, difficulties in organizing and managing time, a negative attitude towards the subject of study.
• Social life: difficulties in friendly and family relationships, isolation, low self-esteem, difficulties in accepting and integrating into the social environment.
• Other problems: psychosomatic disorders, emotional problems, addictions.

The Central Office of the Advisory and Accesibility Structure resides in Komotini while there are branch offices in the cities of Xanthi, Alexandroupolis and Orestiada. From a scientific point of view, it is supervised by members of the academic staff who subject of expertise is related to the services offered by the Office and it consists of the Department of Counseling and Psychosocial Support and the Accessibility Department. 

Department of Counseling and Psychosocial Support

The Department is staffed by a Psychiatrist, Psychologists and Social Workers.
Offered Services: individual and group counseling, organization of seminars and workshops with experiential and interactive character, implementation of preventive and awareness-raising actions on mental health issues, the organization of a network of volunteers, participation in socialization activities and volunteer initiatives and cooperation with community stakeholders who have relevant goals. 

Accessibility Department

The Department is staffed with Electronics and Computer Engineers

Offered Services: 

1. Electronic Accessibility:  adaptation of the educational environment via the utilization of digital accessibility tools, design of accessible libraries and internet workstations, the development of a digital environment for actions of consulting, psychosocial support and accessibility, conversion of educational materials and textbooks into accessible formats, individualization of supportive technology per student applicant and training in the use of supportive technologies and software
2. Accessibility to D.U.Th. buildings and infrastructure: accessibility study of buildings and other infrastructures, evaluation of the modifications made for the improvement of   accessibility to DUTH buildings and provision of know-how to other agencies.

Project Team Organizing Scheme

External personnel

Department of Counseling and Psychosocial Support

Branch Office in Xanthi

Branch Office in Alexandroupolis

Branch Office in Orestiada

Accessibility Department