Campaign Eye-Catcher: Strengthen visibility for people with disabilities!

Campaign Eye-Catcher: Strengthen visibility for people with disabilities!

On May 5, 2025, the University of Potsdam will launch a new campaign called “Are you an eye-catcher?” carries. This initiative is intended to increase the visibility of people with disabilities and reduce barriers in everyday university life. According to the university, over 33% of university employees live with disabilities, chronic illnesses or mental illnesses. Many of these affected people do not dare to disclose their challenges for fear of being discriminated against or disadvantaged.

The Duden describes “eye-catcher” as something that attracts attention and stands out from the usual. The aim of the campaign is to draw attention to the “blind spots” in the topic of inclusion. The university's inclusion team has set itself the goal of improving study and working conditions for people with disabilities and taking preventive measures.

Goals and challenges

Despite the existing advisory services and training courses, it is clear that these often only reach a small part of the target group. This highlights the need for further measures to fully implement accessibility and inclusion. This process has not yet been fully implemented at most universities.

The “Eyecatcher” campaign is scheduled to run for two years, from May 2025 to the end of 2026. It will be launched on the day of protest for people with disabilities. Planned activities include, among other things, discussions on the topic of inclusion in the canteens, a podcast with the university's chancellor and the “Barrier Busters” initiative, in which university members check accessibility in various places and enter it into the digitized map “Wheelmap Potsdam”.

Legal framework and support

The Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) forms the normative basis for the German higher education system and deals with the topics of inclusion and participation in various paragraphs. The Saxon Higher Education Act (SächsHSG) also requires participation and compensation for disadvantages. These legal requirements are crucial to protecting the rights of students with disabilities and providing necessary resources.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) emphasizes the right to education and equal access to higher education for people with disabilities. Federal laws, such as the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the Disability Equality Act (BGG), also ensure that people with disabilities are not disadvantaged. These legal frameworks form the basis for the University of Potsdam's ongoing efforts.

Beyond the campaign

A variety of other actions are being planned, including poster campaigns, exhibitions and the awarding of the inclusion prize in the winter semester. The title of the campaign “Are you a looker?” is intended to motivate those affected and encourage them to think. Together, the potential of people with disabilities should be promoted in order to create an inclusive everyday university life.

With this initiative, the University of Potsdam shows that it takes the challenges posed by inclusion and accessibility seriously and is actively working to improve them. The campaign aims to create a culture of togetherness in which all voices are heard.