For a barrier-free environment in the district of Landsberg

Created: 05/09/2022, 15:49

By: Sabine Fleischer

Accessibility is an important prerequisite for a self-determined life.

Shopping and leisure in particular often fail due to the lack of structural conditions in shops, restaurants and local public transport.

© Fleischer

District – In the district of Landsberg am Lech, unfortunately, not everyone lives together unhindered.

Last week on the "European day of protest for equality for people with disabilities", the advisory board for people with disabilities in the Landsberg district and the inclusion advisory board brought the issue of barrier-free living back into focus with an information stand.

At the Hellmair fountain in Landsberg, those interested could take a look at the lives of people with disabilities and their everyday problems.

In a short speech, the spokesman for the general meeting, Ulrich Hauser, referred to the issue of affordable “barrier-free” living space, which is often suddenly necessary but hard to find.

Landsberg, Kaufering and Eresing are exemplary in their housing policy, but of course there is still a lot to do.

The right to a self-determined participation of all must also be promoted even more intensively by the legislature.

20 years of compensatory levy is nice, but not enough to support inclusive businesses.

Covid was also an issue.

Due to the reduced proximity, helpers and people with disabilities met less often.

For example, Joachim Buss from the Rolli-Pop group is looking for help for short trips.

"Most of the time all you need is a helping hand and no complete support when we're on the road."

It would be great if there were more people to call.

Claudia Hippe is in the same situation.

The active blind lady needs more support with her many voluntary activities.

"If only to relieve my husband," she says with a wink.

To educate people about blindness, they often go to elementary schools.

In children, the acceptance of a disability is high.

The question would be asked without hesitation: “Do you look in the mirror when you brush your teeth?”

At the information stand there was also a lot of discussion about the (lack of) digital accessibility.

Online texts are increasingly accessible via audio or toolbars, but images or pdf files in particular are not described.

Easy language must also be introduced in the media, the world of work and authorities.

A lot of important information in often convoluted sentences is difficult for people with mental disabilities or non-German speakers to understand.

The new project "Talent discoverers" of the coordination centers for committed citizens and inclusion wants to bring people with and without disabilities together in voluntary work.

Everyone has talents that want to be discovered.

Anyone can volunteer.

Networks and self-confidence are the key to breaking down barriers, changing perspectives and finding a win-win strategy for everyone (contact Talentdiscoverer@LRA-LL.Bayern.de).

At the end, Hans-Peter Bichler, Managing Director of the Advisory Board, gave good advice: "Talk to disabled people and you will recognize the lack of accessibility in everyday life.

Something will only change if everyone talks about it.”