Of course, wheelchair users and people with mental illnesses still have problems moving around in society in a completely “normal” way. But the “Day of Encounter”, which will take place tomorrow for the seventh time from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Steyr’s town square, is not a vale of tears.
Employees at the Lebenshilfe workshops, for example, mix non-alcoholic drinks that taste good and are the ideal thirst quencher on a hot summer’s day. And the blind singer-songwriter Walter Stöger, who appears again as a musician on the square, would rather play the guitar than mope. At many stands there are also many beautiful things for the home and accessories to buy that have been handcrafted in the facilities.
For organizer Wolfgang Glaser, it is important that people get into conversation. “The best way to break down isolation and prejudice is through direct encounters,” says the wheelchair user, who was also a member of the Steyr municipal council for the Citizens’ Forum. For the so-called “healthy” people, the main thing is to reduce their fear of people with disabilities. Being born with hardships doesn’t make people less capable. People are fundamentally different, says Glaser. On the other hand, prejudices have also settled in the minds of people with disabilities, and some bitterness should definitely be questioned. Glaser: “We made the experience on the day of the encounter: Don’t worry, let’s just talk to each other.”
Lebenshilfe OÖ., pro mente OÖ., the Empowerment Center of the competence center KI-I, the “Pro Homine” association, Miteinander GmbH, Assista, Volkshilfe OÖ, and “FAB Organos Eule”, who are represented at information stands and sales booths, offer the opportunity to do so are.
A panel discussion in the Reithoffer office building at 6 p.m. will then be dedicated to a burning topic: “Living with disabilities.” At the beginning, existing housing projects for people with disabilities in Steyr are presented. Information will then be given about future construction projects in this area. Those affected then discuss with representatives of politics.
“Day of Encounter”, Thursday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on the town square in Steyr. Eight facilities for people with disabilities introduce themselves.
Source: Nachrichten
