Miesbach - Elisabeth Neuhäusler is best known in Miesbach from the stage of the Free State Theater of Bavaria and as the city's culture prize winner.
For eight months, the 56-year-old has also been the district town's disability officer, bringing her own experience as the mother of an adult disabled son.
In an interview with our newspaper, she tells how she managed to get started in the new job, what demands she has and how she sees Miesbach.
Ms. Neuhäusler, you have been in office for eight months. How did you arrive at your new job?
So far it's pretty good, although I'm still at the beginning.
How did you come to this position?
Randomly.
I was traveling with my son.
I met City Councilor Inge Jooss in the parking lot and talked to her.
When I got home, she called shortly afterwards asking whether I would be interested in taking on the job of the city's disability officer.
I asked for a day to think about it, but after an hour it was clear that I would like to take over.
What attracted you to this job?
The knowledge that disabled people still have a hard time in our society.
This is also due to the way streets and houses are laid out.
I would like to make a difference.
Problem area parking lots
What are you most angry about?
About parking spaces.
When I have to go to the doctor with my son from a public parking lot, I sweat blood and water.
For the disabled, such paths can quickly become a disaster, especially in winter with snow and ice.
They are usually far and too often everything is parked up.
Short distances are particularly important for central parking lots.
But I've found that something is changing.
Awareness is increasing - and I find that very gratifying.
Have you already had to make representations in Miesbach about this?
No, because the city has long offered a good solution with its parking card.
In general, for certain disabilities you get a note in your handicap ID that you can use disabled parking spaces.
The only hurdle is to get permission.
The city has a great system where you can get a parking permit from a certain level.
This is really valuable help.
As a disability officer, you mediate between citizens, administration and politics. Who do you work with?
We discuss the topics in a threesome.
These include Karin Priller from the city's social welfare office as senior representative and Hedwig Schmidt, who is a social officer on the city council.
We discuss inquiries and look for solutions on site.
Infrastructure problem area
What was the last thing that was on your mind?
The dismantled bridge over the Schlierach am Eisstadion.
It was dilapidated and no longer safe.
But this is a big problem for the residents of the nearby assisted living, because not only are familiar routes changing, they are getting further.
For a healthy person, an additional 50 meters is not a problem.
But it is when you have limited mobility.
In spite of your own experiences, are you now being confronted with new aspects?
That's correct.
There are not only walking disabilities.
One shouldn't forget limitations in hearing and seeing in particular.
I familiarize myself with these areas and develop an eye for the various types of disability.
I go through Miesbach with different eyes.
Problem area roads
Whereby Miesbach is very special with its location.
Yes, the three levels are also the reason why you see so few people with walkers or wheelchairs.
There are also many cobblestones.
Alone you hardly have a chance with the rollator.
But the city is very open.
Of course there are limits, but we are working on making redesigns possible with little money.
It is important that you pay attention to details such as audio signals at traffic lights and groove markings at crossings during construction projects.
Or that the banisters are easily accessible.
You suggested barrier-free access to the new Riviera.
Yes.
I joined the working group late.
When I looked at the system, my first question was: How do you get down there?
Alone, with a wheelchair or rollator?
Now we have planned a new route.
Because such recreation islands have to be accessible to everyone.
Heart project: adventure inclusion playground
With the adventure playground on Nordgraben, the city is also breaking new ground.
A great idea - a project close to my heart.
The adventure inclusion playground is intended to give disabled and non-disabled people of all ages beautiful moments together and thus also sensitize them to inclusion.
It is your job to respond to requests from outside. Do you have a wish yourself?
I would like to have more exchanges with citizens.
More information at first hand.
If you like, you can call me on 0160/8309981.
ddy
