Workshop “All Faces of Accessibility” Held

The workshop entitled “All Faces of Accessibility” was held on 16 May 2025 at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, as part of the Week of Equality, Inclusion and Diversity (16–23 May), within the framework of the strategic activities of the Across Alliance.

The event was organised by the Faculty of Philosophy, the Support Centre for Students with Disabilities, and the Youth Association of Persons with Disabilities InfoPart, with the aim of enhancing understanding of the position of persons with disabilities and promoting a more accessible academic and social environment.

The workshop opened with an address by Bojana Trbić, Head of the Support Centre for Students with Disabilities, who emphasised the importance of raising awareness and the need for joint action within the academic community.
“The aim of the workshop is to familiarise members of the academic community and future professionals with the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, so that together we can improve their position and raise awareness of the importance of social inclusion”, Trbić stated.

The workshop was led by Vera Zih, chairperson of InfoPart, and Jovana Džever, MA in Psychology, who shared their personal and professional experiences with the participants, highlighting the importance of open communication and the need to challenge prejudices.

“The University of Banja Luka is making significant progress when it comes to accessibility. The most important thing is that students ask questions and learn how to properly respond to the needs of persons with disabilities in their future professions”, Zih emphasised.

Džever added that “disability is just one of the characteristics of a person, not their definition,” underlining the need to deconstruct myths and stereotypes.

The workshop was conducted in an interactive atmosphere, with active student participation, including questions and exchange of views.

This activity represents a continuation of the University of Banja Luka’s efforts, in line with the mission of the Across Alliance, to build an open, inclusive and accessible higher education environment.