Inclusion rethought: Heroes with disabilities inspire the Uckermark!

Inclusion rethought: Heroes with disabilities inspire the Uckermark!

Inclusion is a topic that is becoming increasingly important - especially in social and creative projects that break down barriers and eliminate prejudices. An example of such commitment is the Rasmaschu Kultur- und Bildungsmanufaktur e.V. association, which is active in the Uckermark. The association aims to give people with disabilities visibility and a voice and has already successfully implemented the EasyWalk project in Angermünde. Another project is now coming up in Templin that pursues similar ambitions.

Particularly noteworthy is the development of a digital brochure entitled “Here I am – making inclusion easy”. This brochure, sponsored by Aktion Mensch, is scheduled to be published in April 2026. She portrays ten people with disabilities and shows their life stories in simple language, supplemented by explanatory films with attractive whiteboard animations. The personalities featured include the deaf-blind writer Helen Keller, the actress Carina Kühne with Down syndrome and the extreme athlete Aaron Fotheringham. In this way, different types of impairments are intended to be made visible.

A strong concern

The main goal of the project is to encourage people with disabilities and to offer them a platform. Collaboration between people with and without disabilities is viewed as a central component. The target group itself has an influence on the selection of the people featured and takes on active roles, for example by speaking the texts for the explanatory films. By the end of October, crucial milestones had already been reached: the biographical articles were finished and the voice recordings were about to be completed. The animation and film music are currently being worked on.

The integration and inclusion of people with disabilities are not only important within the framework of the Rasmashu project, but are also a cornerstone of the Basic Law. Article 3 states: “No one shall be disadvantaged because of his or her disability”. This is explained in the new brochure “What is Inclusion?” which was created in cooperation with the Berlin State Center for Civic Education. This resource explains 28 questions about inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities. The aim is to create awareness of this topic and to sensitize everyone who is interested.

An inclusive future

The brochure “What is Inclusion?” will be available free of charge both online and in print form from February 2026 and will be helpful in dispelling further misunderstandings about inclusion and integration. Inclusion is viewed as a human right and is of utmost social relevance. In this context, the cripple movement has made a significant contribution to visibility and raising awareness about the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

In Cologne and beyond, the topic of inclusion is extremely topical. The developments and projects, such as those of the Rasmaschu Kultur- und Bildungsmanufaktur e.V., impressively show how much potential there is in these initiatives. Only this creative and inclusive work can lead to reducing prejudices and creating a truly equal society.