Inclusion Advisory Board in the Börde district: Common voices for accessibility!

Inclusion Advisory Board in the Börde district: Common voices for accessibility!

Nowadays, the topic of inclusion for people with disabilities is becoming increasingly important. As part of four regional discussion events organized by the participation management of the Börde district, the needs and wishes of those affected were comprehensively discussed for the establishment of a new inclusion advisory board. The motto “Not without us – about us” focused on people’s participation, reports the Börde district.

The events attracted a wide range of participants, including those affected, politicians, administrative experts and representatives of professional associations. The aim was to clarify the tasks of an inclusion advisory board and to shape the future advisory board. Important points that the participants raised were the creation of low-threshold access and the provision of barrier-free educational, leisure and housing options.

Wishes to the Inclusion Advisory Board

A central wish of the participants was more flexibility in local public transport and stronger networking with other advisory boards. The topic of covering the costs of medical aids and raising awareness among employers about employing people with disabilities was also discussed intensively. These issues do not come out of nowhere, but are part of the broader discussion about the rights of people with disabilities that is sparked by the United Nations be put back on the agenda again and again.

In the context of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Inclusion is viewed as a fundamental human right that aims to ensure that people with disabilities can participate equally in society. Specific goals include promoting access to education, jobs and barrier-free housing, which will also determine the agendas of the new Inclusion Advisory Board.

The next steps in establishing this advisory board have been determined: a concept for the distribution of tasks and working methods must be developed and the election modalities must be determined. Cooperation with the administration of the Börde district is essential in order to integrate the interests of people with disabilities directly into political decision-making.

A call for participation

Interest in participating in the new inclusion advisory board is already remarkably high. There are many voices among the participants who point out the importance of close involvement of those affected in the decision-making processes. “It is important that we are heard and can have an influence on shaping our living conditions,” said one participant in the discussion event.

The participation officer for the Börde district, Ms. Watteroth, will be happy to help anyone who is interested in getting involved or has any questions. Those interested can reach them at Teilhabe@landkreis-boerde.de or by phone at 03904 – 7240-4174.

Anchoring the rights of people with disabilities in society is not only a duty, but also an opportunity for everyone. The coming months will prove how serious the Börde district is about implementing inclusion and what steps are actually being taken to advance this important agenda.