30 September 2025

President Prof Dr Jörg Wagner works in the recycling workshop of the Nordthüringer Lebenshilfe - University receives Dirk Hamel in return

Change of perspective up close: Prof Dr Jörg Wagner and Dirk Hamel experienced each other's working world at the "Shift Change" action day. (Photos: Tina Bergknapp / René Bredehorn / Yvonne Reichardt)

Immerse yourself in the working world of people with disabilities for a day and at the same time facilitate new encounters on your own campus - Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences took part in the nationwide "Shift Change" day of action on 25 September. The aim of the initiative is to break down barriers, create understanding for one another and highlight the value of work in workshops for people with disabilities.

University President Prof Dr Jörg Wagner put aside his suit and diary for a day and lent a hand in the workshops of the North Thuringian Lebenshilfe organisation. Together with employee Ronald Bardt, he took over the dismantling of components in the recycling department. "The work requires a lot of concentration, skill and stamina. I have great respect for the professionalism with which the employees make their contribution here every day," emphasised Wagner. The personal insight has reinforced his belief in how important appreciation and participation are for an inclusive society.

However, the "shift change" did not only work in one direction. While Wagner was working in the recycling workshop, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences welcomed Dirk Hamel as a guest. Hamel, who is in a wheelchair, was given a whole day's insight into the diversity of university life. After a welcome and an introduction to the university's structures, a tour of the campus took in the library, the Study Service Centre, the Language Centre and a lecture theatre. The programme also included a discussion with a representative of the staff council.

"It was a valuable experience for us to get an outside view of our university and at the same time to show that a university is an open place for all people," explained Wagner. "The day impressively demonstrated to us that inclusion in practice is not only a social task, but also characterises and enriches our university."

By taking part in the day of action, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is sending out a visible signal in favour of inclusion, participation and social responsibility. At the same time, the campaign emphasised that a genuine change of perspective is always associated with encounters, mutual respect and shared experiences.