AccessAbility
AccessAbility – Peer Network
Registration deadline for mentees: 19 April 2026
Registration deadline for mentors: 15 April 2026
Contact: zab-studienstart@uni-bielefeld.de
Coordination Peer Network, Anika Voigt and Janina Theismann
Michael Johannfunke
Coordinator of the ZAB
- johannfunke@uni-bielefeld.de
- Telephone
- +49 521 106-4201
- Room
- UHG B2-318
Anika Voigt
Advisor for accessible studying and teaching
- anika.voigt@uni-bielefeld.de
- Telephone
- +49 521 106-86749
- Room
- UHG B2-312
Janina Theismann
Consultant for accessible communication and events
- Telephone
- +49 521 106-87771
- Room
- UHG B2-269
Disability, chronic or mental illness and still study? Yes, of course!
In the summer semester 2026, the new peer network of the ZAB - Accessibility Services will help you to get off to a good start in everyday student life at Bielefeld University. Within the network, you can get to know other students in a similar life situation in moderated formats, network, exchange experiences during your studies and expand your skills.
What is the peer network?
As an open and inclusive community, the peer network strengthens mutual learning and solidarity and support among students. Experienced students act as mentors, contributing their experience-based knowledge, sharing practical tips on how to organise your studies and providing support with specific questions without formal one-to-one support.
The aim is to support each other in campus life, taking individual needs into account, and thus promote long-term academic success.
How does the peer network work?
The peer network offers a varied programme of information and exchange events on topics such as: disadvantage compensation, applying for jobs with disabilities, dealing with exam anxiety and games evenings to get to know other students and exchange experiences during their studies.
Mentees and mentors can exchange at regular meetings as well as via email and chat.
Who is the peer network aimed at?
The peer network welcomes all students who face barriers in their studies due to mental, physical and sensory characteristics.
Participation is free of charge and does not require a medical certificate or disability card.
The peer network offers a safe space to discuss topics. All data will of course be treated confidentially.
Become a mentee!
Would you like to get to know other students, benefit from the knowledge of experienced fellow students and strengthen your study-related skills in workshops so that you can organise your everyday study life as closely as possible to your needs right from the start?
Then register using the form below.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! Please note that participation cannot be guaranteed and depends on various factors such as the number of mentors available.
Become a mentor!
Would you like to become a mentor and use the opportunity to pass on your experiences as a student with a disability, chronic or mental illness and your knowledge to fellow students and at the same time strengthen your own social skills in the joint events? If you accompany other students as a mentor, you will receive a certificate of participation to recognise your commitment, which you can use for applications or scholarship applications, for example.
- What can mentors expect?
Mentors are willing to share their own experiences at Bielefeld University with the group - it is of course voluntary to disclose personal information such as a disability or chronic illness.
They reliably attend the dates of the programme and briefly introduce themselves at the beginning, for example with their age, degree programme, hobbies and the topics on which they can be approached (such as spatial barriers in everyday university life or learning difficulties). It is helpful to think in advance about which areas you would like to talk about or share your experiences. As a general rule, everyone only shares what they want to share.
In dialogue with the mentees, mentors actively participate in the methods we moderate and are available to mentees - both in person during and after the events and via email or chat.
Note on the peer network
In the summer semester 2026, the peer mentoring programme will be replaced by the peer network. As a result, the formation of tandems consisting of a mentee and a mentor will be discontinued.
However, this does not mean that participants have to do without the support of mentors. As part of network mentoring, students can still draw on the knowledge and support of mentors.
No counselling is offered as part of the peer network. If necessary, we will refer you to the appropriate counselling centre.
Voices from the previous programme
Some of the voices from the peer mentoring programme are presented below.
Thanks to the programme, I am more confident about my disability and have made friends. It's definitely worth it. You are not alone!
Student T.