UnliMited-Staff
Source: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/over-de-um/diversiteit-inclusiviteit/gerelateerde-organisaties-um/unlimited-netwerk/unlimited-staff Parent: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
UnliMited-Staff is the branch of the UnliMited Network dedicated to staff members and PhD candidates at Maastricht University who are living with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence — whether disclosed, not disclosed, diagnosed or self-identified.
We offer a space to connect, share experiences, influence policy and support each other. Whether you’re looking to get involved or simply stay informed—we wholeheartedly welcome you.
Most of our information is available on the UnliMited-Staff group on the UMployee intranet. The intranet group is also for colleagues who want to learn more about topics related to disabilities and for those who would like to take an active role in promoting disability inclusion at UM.
A space for you
- You do not need to disclose any personal information to join UnliMited-Staff, unless you want to.
- We welcome both academic and support staff, as well as PhD candidates.
- You can simply follow along via UMployee , join as a member or become active in organising or policy input.
Your voice matters
We're always looking for new voices. If you would like to contribute or get involved, contact us at unlimited-staff@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Our activities
The UnliMited-Staff network supports Maastricht University employees and PhD candidates with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence. Our work is rooted in the belief that the lived experiences of our members are essential to driving meaningful, structural change.
We organise a wide range of activities designed to foster connection, visibility and equity across the university:
- Community-building: We facilitate events where staff with shared experiences can meet, exchange ideas and build support networks.
- Inclusive thematic events: We organise events and lectures open to the broader UM community to raise awareness and foster dialogue on disabilities and inclusion.
- Access to resources: We provide information and tools on relevant topics, including workplace accommodations, employment rights and accessibility.
- Policy advocacy and collaboration: We engage with decision-makers and participate in working groups and consultations to help shape inclusive university policies and practices.
\ At the heart of all our work is the principle: 'Nothing about us, without us'. Our goal is to create a university where all staff members are included, supported and empowered.
Issues we work on
In our advocacy work, we're addressing some of the following issues within the university:
- digital and physical accessibility at UM
- equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and retention
- mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
- inclusive HR policies and flexible work conditions
- representation in leadership and advisory boards
Disability Inclusion Group
To strengthen the inclusivity efforts of the UnliMited-Staff network, Maastricht University has recently established the Disability Inclusion Group (DIG)—a formal working group designed to ensure that the voices and needs of staff with disabilities, chronic illnesses or neurodivergence are embedded in the university’s policymaking processes.
DIG is comprised of UM employees and PhD candidates with lived experience, as well as staff closely associated with someone with a disability. To support the group’s work and ensure sustained impact, UM has appointed Professor Lisa Waddington as its funded coordinator.\
What DIG does:
- advises on university-wide policies and strategies that affect staff with disabilities
- supports the implementation of UM’s Policy on Staff with a Disability
- organises quarterly meetings to engage the broader UnliMited-Staff network
- promotes awareness and inclusive practices across the university
\ DIG is guided by the shared principle with UnliMited-Staff: 'Nothing about us, without us' and is dedicated to improving institutional inclusivity, accessibility and equity at every level of the university. For more information, visit the DIG webpage.