5 May: European Day of Protest for the Equality of People with Disabilities and launch of our campaign
5 May is the European Day of Protest for Equality for People with Disabilities. Since 1992, people with and without disabilities have been drawing attention to existing barriers in society on this date. The aim is to promote inclusion and demand equal opportunities in all areas of life. The day of protest is an important signal for more participation, self-determination and social justice.
Our campaign makes visible what is often overlooked: the potential, diversity and reality of over 33% of university members who live with disabilities, chronic or mental illnesses. We break taboos, promote empathy and create a culture of openness - for inclusive cooperation that encourages and inspires responsibility. Because real change begins where people meet each other openly and seek dialogue. Where managers and teams are prepared to question structures and create spaces for development. In this way, studying and working at the University of Potsdam can be a complete success for everyone.
Let us work together to create a university in which diversity is not only considered, but actively lived - visibly, respectfully and without prejudice.
A slice of cake for everyone on 5 May 2025
We cordially invite you to coffee & cake - free, open, human.
Whether you are affected, a colleague, a leader or curious: come and talk to peer counsellors and inclusion officers about diversity in practice, about barriers - and how we can break them down together.
Because when you share, you connect - and when you listen, you change.
Let's taste inclusion together - piece by piece.
Neues Palais 12-14 h at the canteen
Golm 12-14 h at the library
Griebnitzsee 11am-12pm Foyer House 6
Podcast with the chancellor Hendrik Woithe available from 5 May 2025
In this special podcast episode from the series ‘We are UP’ with Chancellor Hendrik Woithe, the Inclusion Officer for Employees Annette Guzmán, the Inclusion Officer for Students Robert Meile and the Represantative for Severely Disabled Employees Katrin Völker, the focus is on the question: How inclusive is the University of Potsdam today - and how can it become even more inclusive? Listen in and find out more about the current situation at the university.
‘Barrier Busters on Campus’ 5 May - 31 May 2025
Become an eye-catcher - and find what's in your way!
As a thank you, you'll receive your campaign shirt or bag in the Unishop! From 5.5. to 31.5. you are part of the Barrier Busters on Campus: Scan our university locations, halls of residence and favourite places for barriers and make visible what remains invisible. Simply report a barrier via Wheelmap Potsdam - and get your exclusive university campaign shirt in the Unishop. Whether it's a missing ramp, a door that's too small or a path that's too steep - every tip brings us closer to a barrier-free university. Join in - because real change starts where we look together. This campaign is a joint project with the Bürgerstiftung Potsdam.
We'll be at the Campus Festival on 23 May - will you be there too?
Materials and additional information
Would you like to find out more about this topic? Then our brochures are something for you. The brochures are available in German, English and barrier-free versions.
Are you a leader and would like to find out more about this topic? Then why not use our leadership compass, our guidelines for leaders or our dialogue guidelines.
Are you a colleague and would like to find out more about the topic? Then use our dialogue guide for colleagues.
Are you a mentor and would like to find out more about this topic? Then use our guide for instructors.
Are you a member of teaching staff and would like to find out more about this topic? Then you are welcome to use the counselling services.
Are you affected yourself? As an employee, leader, trainee or student, please use our counselling services such as the Inclusion Café, our individual counselling for students and employees (from trainees to leaders)!
Are you interested in our figures on the posters and would like to know more? Then take a look at the diversity analysis from 2023.