Tag der Menschen mit Behinderung: Inklusion – Mein Weg zur Inklusion
Hey everyone! So, it's the Tag der Menschen mit Behinderung (International Day of Persons with Disabilities) again, and honestly, it got me thinking. This whole "Inklusion" thing – it's a big word, right? But it's also something I've personally wrestled with, both in my own life and in my work. I wanted to share some of my journey, the stumbles, the wins, and hopefully, offer some actionable stuff you can do too.
My "Aha!" Moment (or lack thereof)
For years, I kinda thought I was doing okay with inclusion. I mean, I'm pretty empathetic, I try to be mindful, and I’ve always been the type of person who tries to help anyone who needs it. I figured that was enough. I was wrong. Dead wrong.
I remember this one time, a few years back – I was organizing a community event. I thought I'd covered all the bases regarding accessibility: wheelchair ramps, large-print materials, etc. But I totally blanked on providing interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It was a total brain fart. Seriously embarrassing. It was a huge oversight, and it completely shut out a segment of the community that event was supposed to welcome and include. Yikes! That was a humbling experience. I literally felt my face burn with shame.
That moment, my friends, was a major wake-up call. It showed me that simply thinking about inclusion isn't enough. You have to actively work at it. You gotta make a conscious effort, and you've gotta check yourself frequently.
Beyond Ramps: Practical Steps Towards Inklusion
So, what did I learn? Lots! But here are some key takeaways that might help you along your own inclusion journey:
1. Listen First, Act Second:
This sounds super simple, but it's easy to forget. Don't assume you know what someone needs. Ask questions! Direct, respectful questions. If you’re organizing something, create a survey where people can specify their accessibility needs. Think about various forms of disabilities: cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, and everything in between.
2. Go Beyond the Basics:
Wheelchair ramps are a start, obviously! But real inclusivity goes much deeper. Think about things like:
- Accessible digital content: Make sure your website and social media are accessible to everyone.
- Inclusive language: Avoid jargon and overly complicated phrasing. Use simple and clear language. Use plain language and avoid complex sentence structures when possible.
- Diverse representation: Include people with disabilities in your photos and videos.
3. It's a Continuous Journey:
Inklusion isn't a destination, it's a process. It's about constant learning, adapting, and improving. There will be slip-ups. There will be moments of frustration. But that's okay. The important thing is to keep trying. To learn from your mistakes, and to keep pushing towards a more inclusive world.
Making a Real Difference This Tag der Menschen mit Behinderung
So, this Tag der Menschen mit Behinderung, let's not just post a generic social media update. Let's take some real action. Let's make a conscious effort to be more inclusive in our daily lives, in our workplaces, and in our communities. Let's challenge our assumptions and learn from each other. Let’s make inclusivity a part of our everyday routines, rather than just a special day. Because really, that's what makes the biggest difference. And that's what this day should truly be about.
Remember my ramp fail? It sucks, but it taught me a valuable lesson. I hope my experiences can help you too. And remember: even small changes can make a big impact. Let's keep striving for a better and more accessible world, zusammen.