Over 33 percent of university members live with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions. How is inclusion already being implemented at the University of Potsdam?
People with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions often do not want to disclose them. This is partly due to concerns that it could affect their work or relationships with colleagues. Many fear discrimination or being reduced to their disability. This was also shown by the survey conducted as part of the 2022 Diversity Audit. The results are comparable to those of similar surveys conducted at other universities.
It is particularly important to us as the inclusion team that the study and working conditions for those affected at the university are improved. On the other hand, it is also important to us that as few people as possible become disabled or develop chronic or mental illnesses in the first place. We therefore work closely with health management to take preventive action. We also ensure accessibility in all contexts so that those affected can contribute their potential to the university despite their limitations without limitations.
Is there still room for improvement?
Unfortunately, an inclusive and accessible university is still a dream for the future. Our current focus is on identifying barriers and gradually removing them. Of course, there are already counseling services and training courses on the subject for those affected and for teams. However, we are still only reaching a small proportion of the various target groups. For inclusion to succeed, we need openness from everyone involved. Roles can also shift. Those affected may face completely different challenges in a management role than students would. Even those who are not affected experience the effects of inclusive measures. We also want to address and support these target groups. In other words, inclusion is everyone's business. However, not everyone feels that it applies to them. That is why we need even more visibility and to destigmatize the issue.
The “Hingucker” campaign will run from May 2025 until the end of 2026. What activities would you like to implement during this time and what are your goals?
We will start on May 5, 2025, the Day of Protest for People with Disabilities, with several activities:
On this day, we will invite employees to coffee and cake in the cafeterias. We are carrying out the “a slice of the pie for everyone” campaign in cooperation with the city of Potsdam. Our aim is to start conversations in an uncomplicated and approachable way. The focus will be on inclusion, disability, chronic and mental illness, which will be examined from the perspective of different social roles without having to sit in a workshop or listen to long lectures. There is no script, just authentic encounters. Openness and interest are values that we want to cultivate together.
In preparation for the campaign launch, we recorded a podcast on the topic with Hendrik Woithe, Chancellor of the University of Potsdam. We talked to him about the university's inclusion work and the challenges and opportunities within the higher education landscape. It's a podcast well worth listening to, especially for those who want to know where the Chancellor stands on the issue.
Another great project starting on May 5 is the “Barriere Busters” campaign in collaboration with the Potsdam Community Foundation. Together with all members of the university community, we want to scan our campuses, dormitories, and favorite places in Potsdam for accessibility. Everyone is invited to pull out their cell phones and enter new locations with or without accessibility features on the digital map “Wheelmap Potsdam.” As a thank you, you will receive a cool university shirt that you can pick up for free at the Unishop. Ramp available, door too narrow, path too steep – every tip brings us closer to a barrier-free university.
These participatory activities are complemented by posters and exhibitions, and in the winter semester we look forward to the Inclusion Award. We also provide extensive counseling and information services, brochures, guidelines, and recommendations for action for those affected, managers, colleagues, and teachers.
“Are you an eye-catcher?” is a title that makes you sit up and take notice.What is the story behind this name?
Looking closely is the central theme of the campaign. The first association is, of course, automatically looking at everything that is different, that does not conform to the norm. Perhaps also the embarrassed looking away in some situations. It also means looking when the majority of impairments are not visible. The addition of “become visible together!” further emphasizes that it's about being strong together, recognizing potential, promoting and demanding it. This is how a society can become an eye-catcher.
To the campaign website: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/inclusive-university/are-you-an-eye-catcher-become-visible-together