From February 25 to 27, 2025, a team from the Competence Center for Inclusive Education (KIB) at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences visited the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) in Berlin. During a two-day workshop, the educational specialists from KIB raised awareness among ministry staff about inclusive and respectful interactions with people with disabilities.
The invitation came from Matthias Sutorius, a lecturer in the MTI degree program at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. Having already collaborated with KIB at the university, he wanted to bring this knowledge to his team at BMAS, where he works in the so-called "Flexi-Team."
During the workshops, BMAS employees had the opportunity to ask their individual questions. In addition to expert presentations and personal experience reports, the program included an accessibility assessment. It became evident that, despite the building’s accessible design, challenges remained—such as the absence of tactile guidance strips for the blind and fully accessible restrooms.
A particularly special moment was the spontaneous meeting with Jürgen Dusel, the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to People with Disabilities. "I think it’s fantastic that you are doing this work and raising awareness on-site," Dusel praised the commitment of the educational specialists.
The invitation to BMAS highlights the significance of KIB both within the university and beyond. The educational specialists not only contribute their expertise to university teaching but are increasingly being recognized at the federal political level as experts in inclusion. "There is no need for countless questions about the correct way to interact with people with disabilities—communication is the key to everything," summarized Prof. Dr. Morfeld, the academic director of KIB.