Adapted discovery outing 2025: exploring biodiversity in a different way at Micropolis

[News brief] - Published on July 9, 2025 in Health, Social & Disability

Every year, students with disabilities are invited to enjoy a break from university life. This unique day, initiated by the Vice President for Education and University Life, UM's disability representative, and organized by the Handiversité service, is all about accessibility. After scuba diving with the Odyssée school club in Sète in 2024, students made a foray into the Micropolis educational theme park.

The adapted discovery outing offers an experience that brings people together, stimulates the senses, and helps participants surpass their limits.  

Pushing their own limits, discovering new things, forging bonds, and fully embracing this collective adventure: this is the challenge taken up by the students, and the whole meaning behind this inclusive initiative by the University of Montpellier.

The aim of this outing is to "take into account all the needs that students with disabilities may encounter, whether in terms of physical accessibility or understanding the environment in which they will be spending time during this outing," explains Isabelle Pecquenard, head of the Office for Students with Disabilities at Handiversité.

This year, we headed to Micropolis, an educational theme park dedicated to insects and biodiversity, where nature enthusiasts, particularly those studying science, were able to immerse themselves in this rich and vibrant world.

Far from their everyday classes, these students, together with some of the Handiversité team, discovered the fascinating world of insects through activities designed for all profiles. "It's important for UM to offer inclusive activities like this. During this day, there are no limits, no difficulties, no obstacles; they can be completely themselves," says Isabelle Pecquenard.

This outing is one example of the activities organized throughout the year by the Handiversité service, which supports staff and students in both their professional careers and their university life in a variety of areas, including educational, professional, and personal. "I wouldn't have been able to get through my first year without the Handi service. Without their support, it wouldn't have been possible. I am very grateful," says Léon, a student at UM.