The Government of the Republic of Slovenia declared 1 March as Inclusion Day in Slovenia on December 5, 2024. Inclusion Day will contribute to raising awareness of the importance of full participation and integration of all individuals into society, regardless of personal circumstances or barriers that may hinder inclusion.

This encompasses access to education, employment, healthcare services, and other key areas. Inclusion Day thus highlights equality and the right to equal opportunities for all, encouraging reflection on embracing diversity and fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to realize their potential and participate fully and successfully in the community.

The term inclusion is perhaps most firmly established in the field of pedagogy. It refers to the process of integrating and educating children with special needs within the mainstream education system. However, inclusion in education – one of the goals of sustainable development (SDG 4) (opens in a new tab)– represents just one aspect of much broader social inclusion.

An active approach to implementing the principles of inclusion at all levels helps reduce prejudice, eliminate discrimination, foster mutual understanding, and build a fairer and more equitable society. This, in turn, enhances the quality of life for everyone, as diversity brings new perspectives and often contributes to the development of innovative solutions for the entire community.

At the University of Maribor, we are fully aware of our mission and key role in creating an inclusive educational environment. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all students and providing support to those who require adaptations in their studies. How do we achieve this?

• The Working Group for Improving the Inclusion of Students with Special Needs actively operates at the University of Maribor. Its tasks focus on closely monitoring the state of inclusion for students with special needs across all university members, planning measures and activities to develop an inclusive and accessible educational environment and designing training for staff to work effectively with students requiring specific adaptations.
• Students facing particular circumstances or challenges that hinder their full participation in academic and pedagogical processes can apply for student status (status of a student with special needs), which provides them with certain adjustments of study process. Detailed information about this status is available on the university website moja.UM > Studying at UM > Students with Special Needs and Special Status(opens in a new tab).
• Each faculty of the University of Maribor appoints a tutor for students with special needs, whose role is to support these students in integrating into the study environment and overcoming potential obstacles.
• Through its activities, the University of Maribor continuously works towards improving both physical and, increasingly, digital accessibility for all students.
• As part of training programmes for teaching staff, the university ensures the continuous professional development of educators in teaching students with various disabilities. Previous year alone, 10 targeted training sessions on inclusion were conducted. For instance, a sign language training session was attended by over 100 employees, and the video of the training(opens in a new tab) conducted by special education expert Matjaž Juhart is also available (in Slovene).
• In addition to training, we are developing a collection of informative and expert materials to further the support of our teaching staff. These materials are accessible through the Online Search Tool (in Slovene) (opens in a new tab). Many of these resources were contributed by the Slovenian Association of Disabled Students.
• We actively promote an inclusive culture through various events, workshops, and initiatives that raise awareness about inclusion and equal opportunities. As an institution, we also participate in international events. On December 3, 2024, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the LINK webinar titled Paving the Way for Disabled Student Success: Real-life Examples across Europe (opens in a new tab) was held, where the University of Maribor, in collaboration with the Slovenian Association of Disabled Students, presented its inclusion-related activities. The event brought together representatives from six European countries (United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia), showcasing practical examples of successful support for students with disabilities.
• That meaningful adaptations in the teaching process can lead to exceptional academic success can be seen among the successful stories of UM students and graduates(opens in a new tab). These students have achieved outstanding academic results thanks to tailored support.
• We are proud of our strong collaboration with the Slovenian Association of Disabled Students (opens in a new tab)(Maribor). The association’s representatives bring invaluable expertise and experience, significantly contributing to the development of support for students with special needs. Together, we strive to ensure the necessary adjustments for successful student inclusion. Our goal is for every student at the University of Maribor to feel welcomed and supported by their peers and academic staff.
• The University of Maribor embraces inclusion not only as an educational institution but also as an employer.​

Inclusion does not happen by itself – each of us is part of this process.

• Accept and respect diversity, without prejudice or stereotypes.
• If you know a fellow student or colleague facing challenges, offer support and assistance. Listen to what they truly need – sometimes even a small, practical gesture can make a difference.
• Contribute ideas and suggestions. Students, for instance, can take part in decision-making bodies and advocate for a more accessible and fairer academic environment.
• Whenever possible, promote equal opportunities in all areas of life.
• Stay informed and participate in activities that support inclusion.

​The University of Maribor remains committed to creating an environment where every student – regardless of their individual needs – feels accepted and supported on their journey toward building the best possible future.

On Inclusion Day, we invite you to reflect on how you too can contribute to a more open, fair, and equitable environment.

Let 1 March be an opportunity to accelerate positive change and strengthen an inclusive society!