Beyond Normal: Neurodivergence at the University
Diversity Days 2026
The term neurodiversity describes the range of all neurological functions, while the expression neurodivergence refers to individual variations within this spectrum. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population are neurodivergent – yet their perspectives, needs, and potentials are often overlooked in everyday life, in the education system, and in the workplace. Consciously addressing neurological diversity is therefore an important step towards real inclusion.
As every year, the University of Bonn is highlighting a key issue in the area of equal opportunity and diversity as part of its Diversity Days. The aim is to raise awareness of neurodivergence within the institution, to promote greater understanding for each other and different ways of thinking, and to overcome existing prejudices.
The event will be held in German. If needed, you can request an English translation for the first day during registration.
Registration and time
Date and times
Monday, May 18, 2026
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration
Pleaser register by May 6, 2026
Note
This is an explicitly neurodivergent-friendly event. There are different seating options. Stimming, moving around, leaving the room and using fidget toys are explicitly permitted.
Please note that an assistance dog will be present on May 18 to assist one of the participants.
Monday - Lectures
May 18, 2026
Venue
Digital Hub (Room San Francisco)
Am Hauptbahnhof 6
53111 Bonn
The event can also be attended online via Zoom. You will receive the link after registration.
We introduce the topic with various presentations on neurodivergence. This also includes information on the meaning of the term and how it differs from neurodiversity. Although neurological diversity is also evident in, e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia or Tourette's syndrome, two presentations will focus on the manifestations currently receiving the most public attention: ADHD and autism.
The event will be hosted by Céline Bartholomaeus.
Schedule
1:30 p.m.
Welcome
Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Irmgard Förster
1:45 p.m.
´Who defines normal? - Neurodivergence at the interplay of pathology, paradigm shift and inclusion`
Maren Frank and Jessica Stazzone Manazza
2:45 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m.
‘ADHD in adulthood – challenges and chances’
Prof. Dr. Alexandra Philipsen
3:45 p.m.
Break
4:15 p.m.
‘Superpowers, subclinical symptoms, studying – autism at university’
Beccs Riley
5:00 pm
End of event
From 6:00 p.m.
Networking event of the Vice Rectorate and Diversity Unit (internal)
Tuesday - Workshops
May 19, 2026
Venue
P26 (ground, first and second floor)
Poststraße 26
53111 Bonn
The workshops on the second day broaden the participants’ knowledge about neurodivergence and point out practical options, measures, and strategies for an inclusive environment in the university context. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their individual possibilities to change existing structures and to discuss ideas on this topic.
Schedule
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
‘Autism in the university context: Different operating systems, equal rights’
Workshop for students
Beccs Riley
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
'Sensitive communication relating to autism and neurodivergence in the university context'
Workshop for counselors and teachers of the University of Bonn
Alexandra Harth
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
‘Disabled and Mad - Now We Are Talking!’
Reading
Disability and Mad Pride Bonn
Awareness & Accessibility
Awareness means consciousness and becoming sensitized in our interactions with each other. Awareness stands for appreciative and respectful interaction aiming to recognize and eliminate discriminatory and unacceptable behavior. It implies taking responsibility for oneself and for one another in order to create a safe atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable and where personal boundaries are respected.
We also expect respectful interaction and a neurodivergence-friendly attitude of the participants attending the lectures and workshops during the Diversity Days.
Also, an awareness team will be present at the event and can be approached at any time with questions or problems. They can be recognized by their lanyards.
If you have any questions about awareness, please feel free to contact us in advance: e.kilian@uni-bonn.de.
Please find below:
Cooperation Agreements
Awareness Guidelindes
The premises of both venues are accessible to persons with limited mobility via an elevator. An accessible restroom and a FLINTA* restroom are available. Please indicate on the registration form if you require additional assistance. We will gladly accommodate your needs during to the event.
The presentations on the first day will be translated into German Sign Language (DGS). If required, an English translation can be provided (please see registration form).
On the second day, there will be no translation services.
The event is explicitly organized in a neurodivergence-friendly way. Different seating options are provided. Stimming, moving around, leaving the room and using fidget toys are explicitly permitted. Please note that the specific needs of different persons can be contradictory. For example, the lights will not be dimmed, as this makes it difficult for visually impaired people to participate. You are welcome to indicate any special needs on the registration form. We are happy to assist you in attending the event.
For all Diversity Days events, the Family Office is providing childcare in the parent-child room at the Deutscher Herold.
Some of the topics addressed during the event may trigger strong emotions in some individuals. These topics include ableism, diagnostics and psychiatry experiences.
An awareness team will be on site to provide support if needed.
Note for University of Bonn employees
For all employees, the participating in one of the event days counts as work time. Please ensure that you comply with the applicable regulations on working hours and breaks.
Contact and Organization
Julia Lindenberg (she/her)
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Ruth Ellen Bischoff (she/her)
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Locations
Filming and photography at the event
The University of Bonn will take photographs during the event, which will be published as part of its public relations work on the internet, in print media and on social media channels. By attending the event, participants consent to being photographed, as well as to the storage and publication of these images. Please speak to our photographers or the Awareness Team on site if you do not wish to be photographed.