Anniversary celebration after tragedy: in.betrieb remembers and looks forward!

Anniversary celebration after tragedy: in.betrieb remembers and looks forward!

In a moving gesture of remembrance and a new beginning, the inclusion society in.betrieb is planning to reschedule the 60th anniversary celebration that was canceled after a tragic traffic accident in 2023. The accident, in which an employee and a bus driver lost their lives, overshadowed the festival originally planned for July 4, 2023. Managing director Michael Huber received the terrible news shortly before the important event. In order to do justice to the victims, the celebration was initially canceled because the emotional burden was too heavy for those affected. But the desire for recognition and community was great, and so the anniversary celebration will now be held on July 4, 2024 to celebrate the courage and successes of the organization.

In.betrieb has been active as a valuable employer for people with disabilities in the region for 61 years. The organization was founded in Mainz in 1964 as a “training workshop”. Today in.betrieb employs around 550 people, supported by around 370 employees. Since the early days, annual sales have increased from 250,000 euros to an impressive 35 million euros.

The change in inclusion

The services offered by in.betrieb are diverse: from outpatient living to integrative kindergartens to day care centers and advice centers. Particularly noteworthy is the “Wildlinge” integrative daycare center that opened in Ingelheim in 2024. Society has constantly changed over the years. From a protective approach to support and integration into the labor market, a space is created that offers both security and opportunities.

However, the upcoming anniversary celebration will not only focus on achievements and successes, but will also address the events of the tragic accident. On the day of the celebration, a wooden cross will be placed at the scene of the accident and a post on social media will keep the memory of those who died alive.

Traffic accidents and their consequences

This incident is not just a fate for those affected, but reflects a larger problem. As several studies, including those by Handicap International, show, people with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by traffic accidents. According to the WHO, they are at higher risk of suffering physical harm due to unsafe road conditions. This problem is global; Every year, an estimated 20 to 50 million people suffer serious injuries from traffic accidents, with over 1.25 million losing their lives. Unsafe roads are a massive hurdle to social participation, especially for vulnerable road users. Handicap International emphasizes the need for an inclusive transport policy that also ensures safer mobility for people with disabilities.

The upcoming celebration of in.betrieb will not only be a joyful occasion, but also a call to urgently improve road safety and create an inclusive society. At a time when memories combine painful and educational moments, the focus remains clear: on a future that enables safe mobility for all people, regardless of their abilities.