"We need a climate of inclusion"

Neuried has had a representative for people with disabilities for two years.

Robert Efinger now visited the Social Committee to report on his work so far and to present future priorities.

Neuried

- The most important thing in his work in the last few months was certainly the networking with other institutions, such as the Würmtal Island in Planegg, or with the local associations, said Robert Efinger at the request of the Münchner Merkurs. “For example, I became a member of the Disability Advisory Board for the district of Munich,” said Efinger. He is also very involved in the Würmtal inclusion project group. A working group that organizes the series of events “Inclusion in the Würmtal”. According to Efinger, the series is actually planned for this year again. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, it had to be postponed to 2022.

In Neuried, Robert Efinger, who himself has a severely disabled son, is the contact person for the 600 disabled people who live here. The range of advice is diverse. "For example, I was able to find an internship for a disabled boy in the town hall or make it easier for another boy to switch from daycare to kindergarten." Robert Efinger: "I also organize transport to the train station or work with the building authorities to see where disabled parking spaces need to be better marked."

Housing and transport are key issues for people with a disability.

Robert Efinger is proud here that he has managed to extend the green phase of the traffic lights on Planegger Straße.

When he took office, it was simply switched too short for disabled people to have enough time to cross the street safely.

In addition, Robert Efinger set up a kind of regulars' table called “Interest Group Participation”.

It is a regular exchange event for all those affected and their families.

So far the meeting has taken place twice in the town hall.

However, at least three to four per year are planned, according to Efinger - but currently on hold due to Corona.

If the meetings are resumed, there will be an announcement in the Neurieder community newspaper "Ratschpost".

At the end of the day, Robert Efinger is always interested in the big picture: sustainable change in society when it comes to dealing with disabled people.

He demands: “We need a climate of inclusion.” Because everyone with a disability has the same right to equal participation in life as everyone else.

And further: “Most handicapped people are invisible.

We have to make them visible.

Inclusion must become a matter of course. "

Carolin Högel