People with disabilities: The majority of cities are in inclusion

Two out of five larger cities in Germany take care of more accessibility for people with disabilities. According to a new study, the other German cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants – and thus the majority – are missing. “That is far from enough,” said study author Albrecht Rohrmann.

The social pedagogy professor had examined the German Institute for Human Rights to what extent the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities are implemented in Germany.

Specifically, it is about whether there are enough barrier -free apartments for people with disabilities and the elderly in municipalities. It is also about the accessibility of schools and offices for everyone. Furthermore, the presence of support services – for example for mobility – is central to those affected in order to enable a self -determined life comprehensive, according to the scientists.

When is inclusion successful?

According to Rohrmann, more inclusion succeeds in providing enough staff and money. Accessibility should be taken into account when planning public buildings, streets or digital offers from the start. People with disabilities should also be involved. However, the researcher says: “In view of the tight health insurers, many municipalities hesitate to invest in accessibility.”

60 percent of the municipalities do not participate

619 larger cities and circles had been examined for the study. 252 of these have systematic planning activities to implement the UN Disabled Convention. Rohrmann therefore spoke of “positive news”. However, in almost two out of three cases in which there are plans for people with disabilities, those affected are not included in the activities (60 percent).

The researchers speak out for the fact that action plans are pursued with several approaches. This is better than pure individual measures. Example: A municipality can convert all museums in a barrier -free manner, so that a visit to people in a wheelchair can be easily. But it seems better if it is made for accessibility around the museums and people with severe disabilities are hired in the cultural sites.

“There is still room for improvement”

Work, school, day care center, living, mobility – permanent accessibility and inclusion is a permanent task for the municipalities from the researcher’s point of view. The expert of the German Institute for Human Rights for the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities, Leander Palleit, found that the legal requirements would be “a fairly great obligation” for the municipalities. But the researchers complain about the lack of systematic long -term strategies. If you want to drive the topic on site, Rohrmann criticized your teeth: “There is still room for improvement.”