The Kreuther senior representative Christine Göttfried speaks about the current situation for people with handicaps, but also about her very personal situation.
Kreuth - Christine Göttfried (48) struggles with her emotions.
The Corona crisis is making it difficult for the long-standing commissioner for the disabled and senior citizens of the Kreuth community - and it worries her: Because the topic of inclusion, a matter close to the heart of the committed Kreutherin, is increasingly being pushed into the background in times of crisis.
We spoke to Göttfried, who was born with tetraspasticity herself and has been in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, about the current situation for people with disabilities, but also about her very personal situation.
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Christine Göttfried (48) worries about inclusion in the Corona crisis
Ms. Göttfried, the coronavirus is currently dominating the situation - there is often little room for topics such as work with the disabled and inclusion. How do you assess this development?
Unfortunately I have to agree with you.
In view of the Corona crisis, the topic of inclusion is increasingly taking a back seat.
The longer the crisis lasts, the more problematic the situation will be in the end.
It is all the more important to show your face for inclusion and to stick together.
Inclusion cannot work without togetherness and for one another.
That is why, even in these difficult times, I am fighting an invisible - and emotionally tough - fight for inclusion together with my friends.
To what extent are people with disabilities particularly suffering from the crisis?
Social life with interpersonal contacts is particularly important for people with disabilities and senior citizens.
That is currently missing.
In addition, the mobility of these people has been severely restricted and at the same time those affected have to protect themselves particularly against infection.
That is a great challenge and of course also a psychological burden.
How do you currently organize your work as the representative for the disabled and senior citizens of the Kreuth community?
I write a lot of e-mails from my home office and post on social media.
Since the beginning of the crisis I have been working even more with digital media.
Since my own mobility is limited, I am increasingly advising the community.
In 2017 you helped to bring the Göttfried Inclusive Ski Cup to life. A showcase for inclusion. Because of Corona it won't be able to take place this year, right?
The Göttfried Cup is an integral part of the Tegernsee Valley event calendar and at the same time a clear statement for inclusion.
The event has already made a big difference: it gives many people a new perspective on people with disabilities and we made some friends.
As the initiator and founder, I have great responsibility for the participants in the ski cup and for everyone who supports me.
Due to the current situation, we have therefore decided to postpone the fifth Inclusive Ski Cup to 2022.
I'm already looking forward to next year.
What influence does the Corona crisis have on you personally?
From one day to the next nothing was like it used to be - I had to deal with that first.
I was aware from the start that this would be a huge challenge and that it would put a lot of psychological strain on me.
Still, I'll never give up.
It is a matter close to my heart to create a world in which people with and without disabilities can live happily in harmony.
Although this difficult time demands a lot from all of us, it is imperative that we continue to focus on inclusion.
In line
"How are you ...?" We ask personalities in the district how they experience the unusual Corona times.
