gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: The inspiration for this text comes from our participation in the Urban Health Transdisciplinary Forum at HS Gesundheit Bochum, at the University of Applied Sciences, as part of our project ParStaR (Participatory Methods for Urban Health in the Ruhr region). Before the interview in the next abstract, there is a brief introduction to the origin and rationale of the text and the author’s message and plea. The Forum was held within the framework of the MUHR project, which is also where the ParStaR sub-project is located. In ParStaR, we work with people with disabilities (specifically, those with learning difficulties) to promote inclusive urban development. Together, we develop participatory formats for promoting urban health, on an equal footing and with a focus on inclusion. Our goal is to develop recommendations for those interested in promoting inclusive and participatory social space design in the context of urban health. In the process, we had the opportunity to participate in the forum. To achieve this, we asked members of our team with disabilities who had the time and interest to participate in the forum. Initially, we felt some hesitation from them. While they were excited about the topics and the opportunity to visit the university and exchange ideas with others, they were also unsure about their ability to communicate effectively in English. We gave the individuals time to consider participating in the forum, and they were initially unsure about their English language abilities. We reassured them that we would provide support, including translation and interpretation, and that the event was intended to be bilingual, allowing participants to speak in either German or English. Eventually, we were able to persuade one person to join us at the forum. Based on our collective experiences, we decided to write this text together, sharing our experiences and encouraging others to take similar steps. After Pia Bruchhage shared her positive feedback about the event at one of our ParStaR meetings, expressing how much she enjoyed it and never wanted to miss such an opportunity again, other team members expressed a desire to attend future events as well. Hearing about these experiences firsthand was important, as it gave them the courage to participate and helped them understand the potential benefits of attending such events.

Message and plea: Our participation in the Urban Health Transdisciplinary Forum reminded us of the importance of creating an open and inclusive academic community. By working together, with a focus on inclusion and participation, we can promote urban health and social space design that benefits everyone. We must continue to advocate for and support diverse participation in conferences and events, to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the advancement of science and society. To enhance collective participation, key factors include individual support measures, empowerment processes, trusting relationships, experiences of self-efficacy, appropriate support and interpretation services, joint preparation, and sharing firsthand narratives. Creating an inclusive environment requires embracing new approaches to support individuals with disabilities in academia, such as providing interpretation services, clarifying concepts, and actively listening to individual needs. We should be open to trying new things. By doing so, we can create something truly beautiful. As academic community members, we have a shared responsibility to create a space where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or abilities. Embracing diversity, learning from others, and being open-minded and inclusive are crucial. By working together, we can build a welcoming and supportive academic community.

In conclusion, our experience highlights the importance of sharing experiences, encouraging participation, and providing support. Promoting diversity and inclusion relies on creating a comfortable space for individuals to share their perspectives and experiences. By fostering an inclusive and empowering environment, we can drive positive change not only in academic events like our forum but also in university education and teaching practices.

Figure 1 [Fig. 1]