Ralph Ivar Berkman (25) followed two bachelors at Erasmus University Rotterdam in recent years: Sociology and Philosophy. Now he is doing the Master Media and Creative Industries here and also a Master Philosophy in Tilburg. From special education, he went to university via a year of university of applied sciences. His mission now is to build a bridge between special education and further education.
Because of his ADHD and dyspraxia (see box), Ralph Ivar ended up in special education. He had to overcome a lot of challenges, but focuses mainly on the positive aspects: 'If you have a hard time early on in life, it gets easier later on. You get used to things and develop resilience. I wouldn't wish challenges on anyone, but I can derive a lot of happiness from it myself.'
Dyspraxia
In people with dyspraxia, not all signals from the brain are properly transmitted to the body. How this manifests itself can vary considerably: from clumsy movements to having difficulty with planning, from not being able to throw and catch well to challenges with memory. Ralph Ivar, for example, has difficulty writing with a pen, but that does not apply to everyone with dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is also known as DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder).
Transition from special education to university
The transition from special education to university is big, Ralph Ivar explains: 'When I arrived at university, I found it overwhelming. I noticed that others were more experienced, more social. And I was more childlike, I figured that I had been very sheltered. Which is nice, but also a disadvantage!' He especially had to get used to the difference between the protected environment of special education school to an environment with so many students.
It took Ralph Ivar a few years to further develop his social skills to fit in better at the university. He very consciously challenged himself in this area, joining various boards and committees. 'I thought: if I make sure I have to talk to a lot of people, then I will develop fastest in that area.' So, he became active in the Dutch political party PvdA, in Erasmus Verbindt, joined the board of the Erasmus Debating Society and of European student association AEGEE. In addition, he joined the editorial staff of Nachtvlinders and followed a course at the Bildung Academy. 'You really have to adapt,' says Ralph Ivar. 'On top of that, in Rotterdam you have to pass your BSA right away in the first year. That's quite a pressure. Please mention it in time to your faculty's study advisor if you think you're not going to make it!'
Rather type 10,000 words than hand-write 10 words on a blackboard
A low point? That was having to write on the blackboard during a working lecture, when writing is something he has great difficulty with. The lecturer could not have known this, but for Ralph Ivar it was terrible sweat for a while, when he had to "just write something on the blackboard" in front of a very large group in his first week at university. 'I'd rather type 10,000 words, than write 10 words by hand!', Ralph Ivar says, looking back at this.
In hindsight, Ralph Ivar would have liked to tell teachers more often about when he was struggling. 'I didn't want to tell them right away, it still felt like I was starting at a disadvantage,' he says. 'When you are in a wheelchair, your disability is very visible. I was able to keep it a bit more invisible. But now I know I could have benefited if I informed teachers.'
Own project to help others
'Everyone has experienced events that have shaped them. The experience you get in life, you can use to make it easier for others going through the same thing.' With this in mind, Ralph Ivar set up a project in collaboration with the Bildung Academie in Amsterdam: L'Oiseau Bleu. With the help of Katharina Bauer and Han van Ruler, lecturers from the Erasmus School of Philosophy, he is committed to educating young people at the special education school he attended himself (mytylschool De Brug in Rotterdam), about what it is like to study at university. His plan is to expand the education. First nationally, then possibly even internationally.
Why is he doing this? Ralph Ivar feels he doesn't really even have a choice, he has to take on this project: 'If I don't do it, no one will. It's a moral obligation.'
Ralph Ivar has put together an eight-week programme for final-year special education students. In the programme, he tells his story, as an expert by experience, and all other kinds of experts talk about what it is like to continue studying after special education. What are the challenges? What can you learn? This gives students inspiration as well as practical tips and a first introduction to university, among other things. Ralph Ivar is thinking of the Hefhouse as a location and is basically ready to start. He already received his first grant from the European Union, through The European Youth Solidarity Corps.
More information about the programme can be found on his brand-new website.
Role model
Not only students of the special education school, but also parents of children with disabilities are very interested in his experiences: 'My story gives parents more clarity about what is possible and also more confidence in what their child can achieve. Parents want the best for their child and therefore my story sometimes reassures them.'
Does he see himself as a role model? 'I do get that back. But I consider myself too young to be a role model. I still want to achieve a lot more before I can be given such a title. It is only the first year of my project and I know I can do better!'
Studying with a disability
Team Studying with a Functional Impairment (In Dutch: Team Studeren met een Functiebeperking, Team SMF) is committed to supporting students with a disability.
Joëlle Schut, student counsellor at SMF: 'We speak to many students throughout the year, each with their own story. We try to support them as best we can. Whether you come from special education or not, we are there for you and happy to tell you about the possibilities for support.'
However, at university you are expected to be very independent. This independence must suit you. It is also important that you can and are not afraid to ask for help. And also: as a large institution, university sometimes has fewer possibilities for customisation than you might be used to from secondary school or other earlier education. Based on your needs and the obstacles you experience, we will gladly look for a suitable solution.
More about Studying with a Functional Impariment
Peer coaches
One example of support you can get at Erasmus University Rotterdam through team SMF is a peer coach. 'That comes in handy at the beginning of your time at university,' Joëlle explains. You can be assigned a peer coach, a buddy, someone who has been in the same situation as you. Peer coaches can help with concrete things like study planning, but also offer a listening ear and show you the way. Students who use a peer coach often become peer coaches themselves afterwards.
More about peer coaches
BSA
Erasmus University Rotterdam has the strictest Binding Study Advice (BSA) in the Netherlands: you have to pass all 60 credits in your first year. Is this not possible due to personal circumstances, such as a functional impairment? Then report this to your faculty's study advisors. It is important to let them know in time what you are dealing with and how this affects your study progress. That way, when possible, your circumstances can be taken into account when the BSA is issued at the end of the first academic year.
Joelle says: 'Meet your student advisor at the faculty, and possibly the SMF team. Don't wait until you get in trouble with your BSA. Inform your student advisor of your personal circumstances and keep talking about it.'
- More information
Want to know more about how Ralph Ivar got into special education and what it was like for him? Then read the Erasmus Magazine interview.
Read more about Ralph Ivar's plans in an interview with Rijnmond (in Dutch)
If you have a background in special education yourself and would like to help build with Ralph Ivar, please send him an email.
Ralph Ivar is currently looking for a board; specifically a treasurer and a secretary. Are you studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam and interested? Please send him an email.
Do you have a functional impairment and want guidance from a peer coach?
Are you a student with a functional impairment, such as dyslexia, AD(H)D, ASD, a chronic illness, psychological complaints, or a visual, auditory or mobility impairment? Do you run into challenges during your studies and could you use some extra support?
A peer coach, a student with a functional impairment themselves, can help you improve your study experience. Together with your peer coach, you can work on study techniques, make a tight schedule, or just talk about the challenges you experience. Whether you are looking for practical tips or need a listening ear, a peer coach is there to guide you. Are you interested in a peer coach? Please email Team SMF.
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