2025 Adapted Discovery Field Trip: Exploring Biodiversity in a New Way at Micropolis

[News Brief] - Published on July 9, 2025 in Health, Social Issues & Disabilities

Every year, students with disabilities are invited to take a break from the academic setting. This unique day, spearheaded by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Campus Life—who also serves as the disability liaison for theUM —and organized by the Handiversité office, is all about accessibility. Following a scuba diving trip with the Odyssée school club in Sète in 2024, students visited the Micropolis educational theme park.

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

Pushing their own limits, exploring in new ways, building connections, and fully embracing this shared adventure: this is the challenge the students have taken on, and it embodies the very spirit of this inclusive initiative by the University of Montpellier.

“The goal of this field trip is to ‘take into account all the needs that students with disabilities might have, whether related to physical accessibility or to understanding the environment in which they will be participating during this field trip,’” explains Isabelle Pecquenard, head of the Office for Student Support for Students with Disabilities at Handiversité.

This year, we headed to Micropolis, an educational theme park dedicated to insects and biodiversity, where nature lovers—especially those in science-related fields—were able to immerse themselves in this rich and vibrant world.

In a lighthearted atmosphere, far from the daily routine of classes, these students—joined by some members of the Handiversité team—discovered the fascinating world of insects through activities designed for everyone. “For the ‘UM ,’ it’s important to offer inclusive activities like this one. During this day, there are no limits, no difficulties, and no obstacles—they can just be completely themselves,” says Isabelle Pecquenard.

This outing is an example of the initiatives organized throughout the year by the Handiversité office, which supports staff and students in both their professional careers and their academic lives in various areas: academic, professional, and personal… “I wouldn’t have been able to get through my first year without the Handi office. Without their support, it wouldn’t have been possible. I’m really grateful,” says Léon, a student at theUM.