Experience inclusion: Action day in Goslar brings everyone together!

Experience inclusion: Action day in Goslar brings everyone together!

On June 28, 2025, a very special information and action day on the topic of “Inclusion in everyday life” will take place in Goslar. This event, which is organized by the Inclusion Advisory Board for the Goslar district, is aimed at all citizens, regardless of their age or disability. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors to Jakobikirchhof can experience exciting activities aimed at raising awareness of inclusion.

The highlights include the use of an age simulation suit to understand the perspective of older people, as well as wheelchair tours that make the barriers in everyday life tangible. There will also be an exchange with deaf people about the realities of their lives, which will certainly provide interesting insights. A face painting program is also planned for the little guests so that even the youngest ones can have fun. The event is held in cooperation with the Lower Saxony Deaf Association, the Alzheimer's Group and the Lower Saxony Senior Citizens and Care Support Center.

The current status of inclusion in Germany

But why is this day of action so important? There are currently around 7.9 million people with severe disabilities living in Germany, which corresponds to almost 10% of the population. There is a lot of catching up to do because despite the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Germany in 2009, which recognizes the social participation of people with disabilities as a human right, there are many hurdles in everyday life. Inclusion is a central component of this convention, which calls for people with and without disabilities to live together on an equal footing.

A Forsa survey from June 2025, in which over 2,700 teachers took part, shows that over 60% consider inclusion to be desirable. However, only just under 30% believe that it can actually be implemented in practice. A lack of staff, a lack of equipment and inadequate training and further education opportunities represent major challenges. Things are not looking much better in schools. While inclusion rates are increasing, there are still two separate school systems, making full inclusion difficult.

Accessibility as a key to inclusion

Another key issue is accessibility. In 2023, just 50% of outpatient practices had adequate accommodations to be barrier-free. This means that many people with reduced mobility or hearing impairments continue to have difficulty accessing necessary medical services. In the cultural sector, too, there is often a lack of accessibility to artistic professions and events. The German Cultural Council and the Commissioner for the Disabled are therefore calling for recommendations for participation to create an inclusive culture.

In conclusion, it can be said that events like the action day in Goslar send an important signal to raise awareness of the challenges related to inclusion. Because the more people deal with the topic, the closer we come to an equal coexistence that is open to everyone, regardless of their impairment.