Inklusion Feiern: Der Tag der Inklusion und wie wir ihn besser gestalten können
Hey Leute! Let's talk about something really important: der Tag der Inklusion – or, as some might still call it, "Tag der Behinderung." Honestly, the name change itself is a HUGE step towards a more inclusive perspective, right? It's about celebrating the diversity of abilities, not just focusing on disability. But how many of us actually do celebrate inclusion meaningfully?
I'll be honest, for years, I just kinda… skimmed over it. Saw the posts on social media, maybe threw a like or two, and moved on. I felt good about my good intentions, you know? Like I was doing my part. But then I realised… nah, that’s not cutting it. It’s a bit like saying you support environmental protection but never recycling – not exactly walking the walk, is it?
<h3>Meine "AHA!" Momente und was ich daraus gelernt habe</h3>
One year, I volunteered at a local event for the Tag der Inklusion. It was… well, let’s just say it was a bit tokenistic. A few disabled individuals were invited, some speeches were given, and then… that was it. No real interaction, no genuine connection. It felt performative, not authentic. That really hit me hard. I felt terrible for making assumptions about how to help rather than really listening to what the actual needs were.
That’s when it clicked: Inklusion is not a one-day event; it's a 365-day commitment. It’s not about checking off a box on your social calendar; it’s about making genuine changes in your life and community.
So, what have I learned since my "aha!" moment?
- Listen, really listen: Don't assume you know what people need. Ask questions, be open to different perspectives, and truly listen to the voices of individuals with disabilities. Listen to their experiences, challenges, and what genuine inclusion means to them.
- Challenge your own biases: We all have them, even if we don't realize it. Actively challenge your assumptions and work towards a more inclusive mindset. For example, I used to avoid using ramps because I thought it was slowing me down! I only realized how silly that sounds when a friend in a wheelchair pointed it out to me.
- Support inclusive businesses and organizations: Put your money where your mouth is. Support businesses that actively employ people with disabilities and organizations that advocate for accessibility and inclusion. This helps create real opportunities, not just symbolic gestures. This could be restaurants with inclusive menus, or companies with accessible websites.
- Advocate for accessibility: Accessibility isn't just for people with disabilities; it benefits everyone. It's about creating a more user-friendly environment for all. If you see something that needs changing, speak up! Think about things like curb cuts, captions on videos, or alternative text descriptions for images on websites. This is important for SEO as well.
<h3>Konkrete Aktionen für den Tag der Inklusion (und darüber hinaus!)</h3>
Instead of passively observing the Tag der Inklusion, actively participate! Volunteer at a local event, donate to an organization supporting people with disabilities, or simply reach out to someone in your community and ask how you can help.
We need to move beyond symbolic gestures. We need to create a society where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, not just on one specific day, but every single day. It’s about building empathetic communities and dismantling systemic barriers. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires consistent effort and genuine engagement from each and every one of us. Let’s make this year's Tag der Inklusion a turning point. Let's truly celebrate inclusion.
What are your thoughts? What are you doing to promote inclusion in your own life? Let’s chat in the comments below!