Stendal celebrates inclusion: Over 300 visitors defy the heat!

Stendal celebrates inclusion: Over 300 visitors defy the heat!

Stendal, Deutschland - On June 23, 2025, the 32nd "Festival of the Encounter" took place in the Stendal Tiergarten. Under the motto "Inclusion itself means being active", the event is piching to promote the exchange between people with and without disabilities. Despite midsummer temperatures of over 35 degrees, over 300 visitors flocked to the event. The celebration was organized by the "Festival of Encounter" interest group, supported by the local participation management in the district of Stendal reports the district of Stendal .

A central point of the festival was a prominent valley round, in which some faces in the region took part. Mayor Bastian Sieler, State Disability Officer Dr. Christian Walbrach, inclusion council chairman Reiko Lühe, and director Dorotty Szalma from the Theater der Altmark and Marcus Graubner discussed important topics related to inclusion. Moderated by Stefan Bernschein, questions about accessibility in local public transport (public transport), the political participation of people with disabilities and the offers of theater.

challenges of accessibility

As was discussed in the conversation, there are still major challenges in accessibility, especially in public transport. According to the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG), which has been demanding complete accessibility since 2013, the framework conditions have only improved slowly. The municipalities are expected to define the importance of accessibility and implement appropriate measures, but there are often no sufficient financial resources for the necessary conversions Informs Aktion Action Mensch .

As the survey of the inclusion barometer shows mobility, 47 percent of the respondents have difficulty getting into public transport. In addition, 25 percent feel unsafe in public transport, which underlines an urgent need for action in the political and social discussion on inclusion. The gap between the legal obligation and reality remains great, although positive progress is recorded adds Allied Mobility .

a colorful program for everyone

The "Festival of Encounter" not only offered interesting conversations, but also a diverse stage program that came up with musical performances by the band "Tick2loud" and dance groups. The children in particular got their money's worth at the clown and the magic show. In addition, numerous regional initiatives had the opportunity to present their work at information and participation and to point out their commitment to an inclusive community. These included the self-help group Bechterew's disease and the disabled rehabilitation and senior sports club Stendal.

“The Feast of the Encounter” impressively shows how important the exchange and visibility of people with disabilities are in our society. It is one step further towards a barrier -free and inclusive community, even if there is still a lot to do. The commitment of everyone involved is crucial to reduce barriers and enable real participation for everyone.