UnliMited Network

There has not yet been a network specifically focusing on disability and the needs of students and employees with disabilities. The results from the survey about studying with a disability at UM (March 2020) and from the UM community staff members that have been reaching out to us we can conclude that there is a need at UM for a network taking into account the wishes of the members of the disabled community. These needs may vary from getting in contact with other UM students or staff members with (similar) disabilities, and just a listining ear to getting your voice heard and being actively involved in the process of improving accessibility, visibility and inlusivity.

One network, two branches:

We aim to respond to the needs of everyone to the best extent possible. The purpose of the network is also to give its members a chance to take control of how these can be met. Members could lead discussions and implementation of projects within the community. Besides the common denominator of having to study or work with a disability, we identify there are different needs and challenges for students and staff and therefore have two separate branches, but one common goal.

One of the aims is to be more involved in UM life in general. To define more specific objectives of the UnliMited network we really want to listen to you and in concept these could be:

• Creating a community of peers support where students and staff can share experiences and connect in a respectful environment #YouDoNotHaveToExplainThisToUs
• Generating more visibility and awareness within the UM community
• Amplifying voices at an institutional level and increasing participation and inclusion of disabled students and staff within the wider UM community
• Being a sounding board for UM policies
• Organising events and activities that meet the wishes of the network's members and building a community
• Raising awareness for the entire UM community about studying and working with a disability
• Being flexible to respond to the needs of the network's members and stakeholders

In spring 2021 we created the foundation for the UnliMited Network with two branches: a branch for students, by students and a branch for staff members (PhD students, non-academic/support staff and academic staff).

UnliMited-Staff:

Parallel to the set-up of the student branch, we will begin to form the staff branch by first surveying disabled members of staff for their experiences and needs.

Discussion groups were held in March 2021 where disabled members of staff shared their experiences, worries, challenges and ideas for the network.

Next, we will discuss and select topics to focus on in the first phase and what shape the network should take to be sustainable.
If you would like to get involved in establishing the staff branch of the UnliMited Network, please email unlimited-staff@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

The taskforce "Obstacle-free studying and working at UM" was established in June 2020 and consists of members from the UM departments: Disability Support, Student Deans, Library, HR/Arbo, Facility Services, and the D&I Office.

The main objectives are:

• Writing UM vision and Policy
• Improving Digital and Physical Accessibility
• Establishing UnliMited Network
• Applying the Participatie Wet/Law for people with a distance to the labour market

To get in touch with the workgroup, network members or our offices, please send an email to:

• Network branch for students: unlimited-students@maastrichtuniversity.nl

• Disability Support (students): disability@maastrichtuniversity.nl

• Network branch for staff: unlimited-staff@maastrichtuniversity.nl

• D&I Office: diversity@maastrichtuniversity.nl