UnliMited Network
Source: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/about-um/diversity-inclusivity/getting-involved/networks-staff-and-students/unlimited-network Parent: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
Nothing about us, without us!
UnliMited is a university-wide network established by and for students and staff at Maastricht University with visible and invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses and/or neurodivergence. We are committed to fostering support for one another and to creating a more accessible, inclusive and equitable environment for all members of the UM community.
Why UnliMited?
Through UnliMited, we are building a community in which every individual is not only included but truly valued. Whether you are a student navigating the challenges of academic life or a staff member navigating the demands of the workplace alongside managing a disability, UnliMited offers a space for connection and meaningful engagement.
Supported by Maastricht University and grounded in the principle 'Nothing about us, without us', UnliMited also plays an active advocacy role. We ensure that the lived experiences and perspectives of individuals with disabilities directly inform the development and implementation of institutional policies and practices.
Want to join us?
Go to the page for UnliMited-Students or UnliMited-Staff for details on how to become a member.
\ You don't have to share anything personal to join. Share only what you're comfortable with.
Our goals
Together with our community, we aim to:
- Build peer support communities where students and staff with disabilities, chronic illnesses or neurodivergence can connect and share experiences in an understanding environment, free from the need to explain themselves #YouDoNotHaveToExplainThisToUs
- Promote awareness across the entire UM community about the lived experiences of studying and working with a disability
- Amplify the voices of students and staff with disabilities and increase their participation and inclusion within the wider UM community
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of university policies and initiatives that impact accessibility, inclusion and equity
- Organise inclusive events and activities based on the needs and interests of our community
- Remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of our members and key stakeholders
What we mean by 'disability'
A disability can take many forms and may be visible or invisible. Though sometimes we list them separately, we often include chronic illness and neurodivergence when we talk about disability.
At UnliMited, we welcome members with conditions that include but are not limited to:
- physical or sensory impairments (e.g. mobility, visual or auditory impairments)
- chronic illness (e.g. diabetes or Crohn’s disease)
- neurodivergence (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia or ADHD)
- mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety or schizophrenia)
These can be officially diagnosed or self-identified. You will never have to share any information about your condition unless you want to.
“When you study with a disability, you have a different reality. I don’t compare myself to others anymore.”
Estella Jardi Roca, bachelor's student in Psychology
One network, two branches
We recognise that students and staff may face different challenges, so the network has two dedicated branches:
- UnliMited-Students: for and by students
- UnliMited-Staff: for academic staff, PhD candidates and support staff
- Disability Inclusion Group (DIG): a formal working group of UM staff that ensures the voices of staff with disabilities are represented in university policies
Despite having different focus groups, both branches share the same mission: to create a culture of inclusion, support and accessibility at UM.
Activities @ UnliMited:
UnliMited Connects Week 2025
17 March 2025 13:00 - 23 March 2025 13:00
The UnliMited Network organises activities to connect students, staff and PhD candidates with (in)visible disabilities, chronic conditions and neurodivergence and the wider UM community during the Connects Week in March (17-23)
UnliMited-Staff Group on UMployee!
- Human interest
- UM news
UnliMited Connects the UM Community: Shifting Perspectives
20 March 2024 13:00 - 20 March 2024 16:00
Bringing together members of the UnliMited Network and UM community members: decision makers, experts and those affiliated to disability inclusion to discuss how to make UM more inclusive for students and staff with disabilities, chronic illnesses or neurodivergence.
Honouring excellence: Lisa Waddington
We are proud to highlight that Professor Lisa Waddington, co-founder of the UnliMited network and Professor of European Disability Law at UM, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Université Saint-Louis/University of Louvain, Belgium.
Watch her inspiring speech about how universities can become more inclusive \ (Speech begins at 00:30)
Prof. Lisa Waddington is also chair of our Disability Inclusion Group (DIG) at UM.
Support from Maastricht Unviersity
UnliMited is supported by the Diversity & Inclusivity Office. We also work in close collaboration with the Disability Support Office and People & Development to develop policy and organise activities to improve accessibility, visibility and inclusivity for members of the UM community who have a disability.
Contact
To get in touch with the network or our support offices, please send an email to:
- UnliMited-Students: unlimited-students@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- UnliMited-Staff: unlimited-staff@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Diversity & Inclusivity Office: diversity@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Disability Support (students): disability@maastrichtuniversity.nl