May 15, 2026 | Unlearning Ableism - Discrimination against people with disabilities at school and university
Panel discussion with Urs Germann, Irina Bühler and others. Moderated by Saphir Ben Dakon.
In conversation
- Urs Germann, historian at the University of Bern and Head of the Federal Office for the Equality of Persons with Disabilities
- Irina Bühler, research associate at PH FHNW with a focus on participatory research
- Other panel participants t.b.a.
Moderation: Saphir Ben Dakon, communication and inclusion expert
With an input presentation by Urs Germann: "Disability and access to education: Historical shifts and continuities"
Contents
Despite legal requirements, people with disabilities continue to be disadvantaged in many areas of life. Ableism, for example, manifests itself in unequal treatment, devaluations, transgressions, stereotypical attributions and structural discrimination against people with disabilities. Although terms such as inclusion and diversity are more prevalent today, ableist structures persist. The education sector in particular - and teacher training in particular - are important key areas for initiating change.
How has this system grown historically? Why is disability still associated with devaluation, especially in the education sector? Where do we stand today in schools and universities - and what can be done in concrete terms to actively counteract these structures?
Administrative details
Date and time
12.5.2026, 18:00-20:00 hrs
Venue
University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Muttenz Campus
Aula on the ground floor (EG W.01)
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132 Muttenz
Organized by
University of Education
Cost
free admission
Language of the event
German - with translation into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS) if required. Please specify when registering.
