What is inclusion?

At this point, I would like to address the topic of inclusion, which is very important to me. The following video from “Aktion Mensch” summarizes the topic in approximately 80 seconds. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Aktion Mensch for providing the video.

The word “inclusion” originally comes from Latin and means “inclusion or being included.” It refers to the equal social belonging of all people. This definition assumes that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in all areas of life as a matter of course. Inclusion fights against marginalization (pushing people with disabilities to the fringes of society) and discrimination (devaluing or excluding people with disabilities).

This alone makes it clear that inclusion is a fundamental human right based on the constitutional principles of freedom, equality, and solidarity (Constitution §1-4, 12). The inclusion movement, which originally emerged in the US in the 1970s, aims to preserve the human dignity of every person, which is protected and strengthened by the state. This does not mean that everyone must be treated absolutely equally. However, every person, depending on their individual circumstances (such as the type and degree of disability), must be able to live their life freely and independently. Every person has the right to education, work, and freedom within the limits of their abilities.

It goes without saying that inclusion is everyone's business! Anyone can suffer a disability at any time as a result of an accident. The likelihood of a serious impairment also increases with age. That is why it is important to fight early on for a society based on solidarity, for ourselves, for our fellow human beings, and for the opportunity to live independently, self-determined, and free from discrimination and marginalization.

The following video illustrates that there is still a lot to be done today: “Welcome to Reality,” a protest song by people for people with and without disabilities, kindly supported by JEFF Bam Hayoukid and Meike Bajique.

The protest song “Willkommen in der Realität” (Welcome to Reality) by JEFF Bam Hayoukid and Meike Bajique, first in the subtitled version, then in the version with sign language. A song by people for people with and without disabilities:

Convention  |  My life with inclusion  |  requirements  |  Links on the topic of inclusion