Exhibition Presents TU Dortmund University’s Successful Work on Inclusion

How TU Dortmund University enables equal and equitable participation is demonstrated by the exhibition “Conclusion? Inclusion!” at the City Campus in the Dortmunder U. The pioneering work of DoBuS, the division that has been supporting students with disabilities and chronic illnesses for almost 50 years, is presented here. As part of the accompanying program, interested visitors can take advantage of advisory services and participate in workshops. The exhibition will be open until 23 November.

Equal and equitable participation in higher education is a human right. This was reaffirmed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The exhibition “Conclusion? Inclusion!” shows how this human right is being realized at TU Dortmund University. Leading the way is the “Dortmund Division of Disability and Studies” (DoBuS) within the Center for Higher Education, a service and research institution unique in Germany.

Supporting program ranging from social media workshops to podcast recording

Visitors to the exhibition gain insight into the situation of students with disabilities and chronic illnesses and can learn about the services offered by DoBuS. Prospective students have the opportunity, within the framework of the exhibition program, to make use of advisory services and to exchange ideas with students with disabilities. Visitors interested in the topics of inclusion and accessibility can deepen their knowledge in workshops – for example, on the subject of “Inclusive Social Media” – and at further events such as the live recording of a podcast with recognized experts.

In 1977, as the first university in Germany, the Pedagogical Institute of Higher Education Ruhr – modeled on U.S. universities – began with the systematic support of students with disabilities. In 1980, the Pedagogical Institute of Higher Education Ruhr was integrated into what was then the University of Dortmund. From this preparatory work and merger, DoBuS and the so-called Dortmund Work Approach emerged. TU Dortmund University can thus now look back on nearly half a century of supporting students with disabilities.

The goal of an inclusive university

The Dortmund Work Approach is a practice-tested, prototypical model that asks how the goal of an inclusive university can be approached step by step. It addresses both the individual study situation of students with disabilities and the higher education system as a whole. This perspective goes beyond the development of elaborate individual solutions and ensures that accessible structures are also established at TU Dortmund University.

Accompanying program details (in German)

City Campus

TU Dortmund University, as a partner of the Dortmunder U Center for Arts and Creativity, provides regular insights into its research and teaching on City Campus. Presentations and the exhibition space as a forum for dialog offer the urban community an opportunity to learn about and discuss questions and findings from scientific disciplines through various event formats.

The exhibition can be visited during the opening hours of the Dortmunder U. Admission is free.

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