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Studierende die in der Wartezone der Zentralen Studienberatung warten. © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund
Workshop: Inclusive Talent Scouting

Valuable insights for scouts and educators

The event organized by Talentscouting and DoBuS offered participants insights into the diversity of (in)visible disabilities and highlighted how high school and college students—especially during transitional periods—can be better supported. In addition to information on the legal framework, accommodations, and support structures, the event focused primarily on the exchange of experiences and best practices.

In addition to topics such as raising awareness of the diversity of (in)visible disabilities and helping participants feel more confident in interacting with affected students, the workshop also addressed broader issues such as compensatory measures, hardship case applications, and integration assistance. Many participants emphasized how helpful it was to be able to discuss these often complex topics directly with the official counseling center and ask questions. Topics that are often difficult to understand in written form were thus explained in a practical, hands-on way.

The exchange among the talent scouts was also perceived as particularly valuable. Among other things, participants discussed how to address disabilities sensitively without causing offense or stigmatizing anyone.

A particular highlight of the workshop was the testimonials from two students. A computer science student at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts recounted his journey from a student receiving support to a college student. He said the open and trusting nature of his talent scout had been particularly influential for him: “Above all, the talent scout’s open manner meant that I could always come to him with any issues.” After initial difficulties in his first semester, he decided to actively reach out to people—with great success: Among other things, he quickly found a part-time job working for a professor and a student apartment; both with the support of the talent scouting program and the Student Services Organization.

A student of science journalism at the TU also gave a compelling account of his experiences. As a student on the autism spectrum and neurodivergent, he had considered dropping out of his program several times. However, the reliable support he received from a DoBuS counselor was decisive for his continued progress: “I wanted to drop out several times. The support and reliability of an adult advisor were among the reasons I was able to keep going.”

The participants found the personal accounts both emotionally moving and encouraging for their own work. Overall, both the content and the structure of the workshop generated great interest and were rated as very beneficial.

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