The Inclusive University of Siegen Service Office
People with disabilities should have access to general higher education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal footing with others, as well as equal opportunities in professional life. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities obligates its signatory states to ensure this. The concept of inclusion is defined here in such a way that it is not people with disabilities or chronic illnesses who are expected to adapt, but rather that the environment must remove barriers to enable them to participate in university life on an equal footing and in a self-determined manner.
The University of Siegen, therefore, also considers it an important task to pay special attention to the needs of students and employees with disabilities or chronic illnesses and to eliminate disadvantages, so that, despite health-related limitations, appropriate measures enable them to pursue their studies and participate on an equal footing in university life. Key concepts here are: accessibility, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination. The University of Siegen’s guiding principle, “Shaping a Humane Future,” is realized in everyday university life through a fundamental attitude of openness and mutual respect, as well as through consideration and recognition of the diverse potentials and needs of the university community, which are characterized, among other things, by various forms of impairments and disability-related abilities.
To ensure that structures, procedures, and services are designed to be inclusive and accessible, the Inclusive University of Siegen Service Office was established at the University of Siegen in 2017.
As a team of inclusion partners, the Inclusive University of Siegen Service Office provides information, support, and advice on all matters related to inclusion and accessibility in academic studies, teaching, and the workplace. It serves as a point of contact for all university members with disabilities or chronic illnesses, enabling them to participate on an equal footing in everyday university life. It supports initiatives aimed at continuously improving inclusion and accessibility at the University of Siegen and offers lectures, workshops, and informational events.
The diversity of students and employees with disabilities gives rise to a wide range of responsibilities, which—in accordance with the recommendations of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and the German Rectors’ Conference—are managed by the Inclusive University of Siegen Service Office through a three-pronged approach of networking, cooperation, and advising. This is carried out by a coordinator and director and their staff in close collaboration with the representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses and the liaison officer for severely disabled employees and those deemed equivalent, as well as in close cooperation with other university and non-university facilities and institutions.
The Inclusive University of Siegen Service Office serves as a suitable interface for integrating the collaboration between the representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses and the liaison for employees with severe disabilities or chronic illnessesand to promote cooperation with other university departments such as Psychological Counseling, the Central Student Advising Office, the International Office, Occupational Safety and Health, the Asta, and other key stakeholders. Another task is to establish and maintain networks and cooperation outside the university and on an international level.
As a team of inclusion partners, all participants contribute to ensuring equal opportunities for participation in everyday university life for all members of the university community, as well as to consolidating and providing all necessary services and counseling offerings in this area under one roof.
The Inclusion Days are organized by the Inclusive University of Siegen Service Office in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was proclaimed by the United Nations as a day of commemoration. The goal of these events is to promote interaction, exchange, and awareness, and to strengthen a society in which people with disabilities or chronic illnesses can participate on an equal footing—through accessible environments, genuine participation in decision-making, and equitable access to academic studies, work, research, and everyday university life. You can find more information on the overview page for past Days of Inclusion.
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Dr. Sonja Weber-Menges
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