"Early Morning Care: Advocacy for Disability Issues by Inclusion Officers Towards Potential Mayors and Councilors"
In the heart of the Rheinisch-Bergischer district, a significant workshop was recently held in the council chamber of Bensberg Town Hall. The event, attended by twelve political candidates, aimed to raise awareness about inclusion and highlight the barriers faced by people with disabilities.
The interactive workshop, organised by local inclusion commissioners Monika Hiller (Bergisch Gladbach) and Elke Güntzel (Rösrath), was a call to action for future leaders to ensure barrier-free access in public buildings, transport, and streets. Claudia Schmidt-Herterich, chairwoman of the Rösrath advisory board for the needs of people with disabilities, underscored the importance of communication as the foundation for coexistence.
Katharina Kaul from the InBeCo service provided insights into the impact of language on inclusion and people with disabilities. She emphasised the significance of using respectful, up-to-date, and inclusive language in political and everyday communication. Amy Zayed, a cultural journalist, further highlighted the importance of non-visual communication methods.
The discussions during the workshop focused on the challenges faced by people with disabilities, with participants receiving impulses for simplifying language to improve understanding. The aim was to promote accessible campaigning and policy-making, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the political process.
The workshop, which lasted approximately three hours, concluded with the initiators expressing hope that participants would take away insights and incorporate them into their daily lives. By raising awareness about the rights and needs of people with disabilities, the event aimed to foster a more inclusive and equitable society in the Rheinisch-Bergischer district.
As the importance of disability inclusion in politics continues to grow, it is crucial for political candidates to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities. By participating in workshops like this one, candidates can gain a better understanding of the issues and work towards creating a more inclusive political landscape.
During the three-hour workshop, Katharina Kaul from InBeCo service stressed the importance of using inclusive language in political and everyday communication, especially in regards to people with disabilities. Amy Zayed, a cultural journalist, further emphasized the significance of non-visual communication methods for promoting mental health and health-and-wellness, as well as fitness-and-exercise, in an inclusive society. By addressing these concerns, political candidates can foster science-based solutions that ensure a healthier and more equitable society in the Rheinisch-Bergischer district.
