“Inclusion on site” – Looking for exemplary models for inclusive coexistence

15.02.2022 12:37

With the new “Inclusion on Site” program, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Aktion Mensch want to further advance the inclusion of people with disabilities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Municipalities and non-profit organizations are called upon to develop exemplary ideas for a living environment in which all people can live equally.

Four model communities can receive funding for up to five years. The state and Aktion Mensch are providing a total of up to four million euros for this purpose.

“Inclusion should be practiced wherever people meet,” said Social Minister Karl-Josef Laumann. “To achieve this, all local actors must network: clubs, associations, companies, self-help groups, religious communities and local administration. We want them to work together to develop models for inclusive coexistence that can be replicated all over the country. One approach could be that people with disabilities are no longer referred to special offers when it comes to culture and leisure, but can instead take part in activities that are available to all citizens.

From now on, actors from districts, cities and municipalities can apply to take part in the “Inclusion on Site” program. This is the first time that Aktion Mensch and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia have launched a joint funding offer for network partners from local governments and non-profit organizations for local inclusion.

For several years now, Aktion Mensch has been supporting and accompanying five model municipalities in five federal states with the “Kommune Inclusive” initiative to make local life permanently more inclusive, barrier-free and therefore more livable. Christina Marx, spokeswoman for Aktion Mensch: “We are pleased that the many positive experiences of the municipalities that have already received funding are now also encouraging inclusion makers in North Rhine-Westphalia to work for diversity and natural coexistence in everyday life. Inclusion in the community succeeds when participatory and sustainable planning and work takes place in a strong network. As Aktion Mensch, we are happy to support this process by imparting practical knowledge and providing financial support.”

Social Minister Laumann added: “I am pleased that we have developed this program hand in hand with such a strong partner. In this way, the actors in the municipalities can benefit from Aktion Mensch’s many years of experience and know-how.”

Details about the call for proposals and participation in the “Inclusion on Site – The Program for the Model Promotion of Inclusive Social Spaces in North Rhine-Westphalia” campaign can be found at www.aktion-mensch.de/kommune-inklusiv/neue-foerderung/nordrhein-westfalen and on the ministry's website www.mags.nrw/inklusion-vor-ort. The call for proposals starts on February 15th and ends on May 31st, 2022. Four model municipalities are to be selected by the end of July 2022.

Background information

Participation is an essential feature of on-site work. This particularly includes the participation of people with disabilities as experts on their own behalf. That's why an advisory board was involved when developing the funding concept, which included representatives of self-help, municipalities and welfare associations, as well as the office of the state government's representative for people with disabilities and patients from the Competence Centers for Self-Determined Living NRW (KSL.NRW). . This committee will also accompany the further process.

Further information about Aktion Mensch’s “Kommune Inclusive” initiative can be found at https://www.aktion-mensch.de/kommune-inklusiv/praxis-handbuch-inklusion.