Madrid, 3 December 2025. On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the SAPDU Network and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) reaffirm their firm commitment to full inclusion, equal opportunities, and the active participation of all members of the university community. This year’s celebration is held under the international theme “Fostering Inclusive Societies for Social Progress”, which highlights that social progress cannot be achieved without universal accessibility, recognition of human diversity, and the effective removal of barriers.
The University as an Engine of Social Transformation
Spanish universities play a key role in generating knowledge, educating responsible citizens and building a fairer future. As such, they have a responsibility to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities, can access, remain in and progress through higher education on an equal footing.
The SAPDU Network, which brings together professionals from disability support services across the universities affiliated with CRUE and works in close coordination with CRUE–Student Affairs, works on a daily basis to make inclusion a tangible reality in classrooms, campuses, services, and in the academic and social life of universities. We are convinced that an inclusive university is a driving force for an inclusive society.
Commitments and Strategic Actions
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we renew and strengthen our commitment to:
- Universal accessibility — physical, digital, communicative and curricular — as a non-negotiable principle.
- Reasonable and personalised accommodations to ensure the full participation of all students and members of the university community.
- Raising awareness and combating ableism, fostering a culture of respect, equality and recognition of diversity.
- Training for academic, technical and administrative staff in inclusion, accessibility and Universal Design for Learning.
- The active participation of persons with disabilities and students in the design and implementation of inclusive university policies.
- Inter-university cooperation, recognising that inclusion is strengthened through the sharing of strategies, resources and good practices.
- Promoting innovation, research and knowledge transfer aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and dismantling structural barriers.
A Call to Action
We call on universities, public authorities, civil society organisations and citizens as a whole to step up efforts to build truly inclusive environments. Inclusion is not an abstract objective; it is a daily practice that requires political will, adequate resources and an ethical vision that places people at the centre.
Diversity is a source of social richness. Only when everyone can participate fully can we truly move forward as a society.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, we reaffirm that inclusion cannot wait. Higher education must be a space where diversity is valued, no one is left behind, and every academic achievement represents a step towards a fairer, more cohesive and sustainable society. The SAPDU Network and CRUE will continue working to ensure that universities act as a benchmark, a catalyst and a guarantee of social transformation based on dignity, equality and human rights.
