Maurice Krupka: The fighter for equal opportunities at the University of Kassel

Maurice Krupka: The fighter for equal opportunities at the University of Kassel

A lot has happened in the higher education landscape in recent years, especially when it comes to the inclusion of students with disabilities. An impressive example of this is Maurice Krupka, a 29-year-old social work student at the University of Kassel. Despite his left-sided paralysis, which is caused by a lack of oxygen at birth, he masters his studies with flying colors. Krupka commutes to Kassel several times a week and describes his life as relatively normal - a perspective that is often neglected in public. He has actively campaigned for equal opportunities and feels well integrated at his university. [HNA].

But what does inclusion generally look like at German universities? Since the signing of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009, the legal environment has changed significantly. The aim of the reform of disability law in Germany is to promote the full and equal participation of disabled people in all areas of life. According to Research and Teaching, universities must ensure that students with disabilities are not disadvantaged - a challenge that now needs to be overcome, also with regard to barrier-free access to spatial and digital offerings.

Challenges and support

Krupka has already had positive experiences with accessibility measures at his university. For example, there are trolleys in the cafeteria to make access easier. Nevertheless, he also sees obstacles, especially in bureaucracy, for example when applying for a permanent disability certificate. These aspects clearly show how important it is that universities not only record inclusion guidelines on paper, but also promote their actual implementation in everyday school life. At the same time, students who are dependent on compensation for disadvantages must submit their application in good time before examinations in order to ensure equal opportunities, as enshrined in Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Another aspect is the discussion about diversity at universities. As Bildungsserver highlights, the inclusion of a heterogeneous student body is of central importance for inclusion, which goes beyond simply taking disabilities into account. The realities of students' lives are diverse, and their integration into the university system is an important step towards a modern educational landscape.

Inclusion as a shared task

For many students like Maurice Krupka, higher education is not only a path to professional qualifications, but also an opportunity for social participation. His role as a tutor and involvement in special seminars show how important it is that universities not only break down barriers, but also actively promote inclusion. The challenges are certainly diverse, but with a legal framework that specifically defines inclusion, the path to comprehensive participation can be paved. Every step counts on this journey to achieve equal opportunities and inclusion in higher education.