Böcher feels fully accepted and supported by her employer. Her regional Bavarian church was very open and welcoming. "Things were still very different in Germany just a few short years ago," says Böcher. "There is a theologian in Berlin, for example, who was not accepted in the same way I was, even though she has the same education as me." She opines that it is priceless and crucial that an employer has an open mind and says, "of course we can see ourselves doing this." That was the case with Böcher’s employer.
Of course, Felizitas Böcher and David Völzmann are just two examples. Yet they prove that participation in the primary labor market can work.
Although Völzmann's current boss was once his father’s apprentice, the applications the young man from Northern Germany sent out to other prospective employers still showed a lot of promise. "It was encouraging for me to see that two other carpenters were also willing to take me on as an apprentice – despite my physical disability." That’s why Völzmann recommends to definitely try but to also have a little patience. After all, it always has to be a good fit for both parties. "It’s not just the employer that must be accommodating, you also have to be willing to cooperate," the budding carpenter explains. "You can’t expect everyone to just lay the world at your feet. As I always like say, this is a 'normal' labor market after all." Having said that, it’s also not an option to always back down and take the backseat. You need to find the right balance and the middle ground.
Felicitas Böcher offers similar advice to young people with disabilities who want to get into the primary labor market: "Don’t be discouraged! Things may work out if you only try. But if you don’t try, you will definitely not succeed!" Above all else, the pastor recommends having patience – with yourself, if things don’t work out right away, and with others. "It’s impossible for people who don’t share your disability to know about your struggles and needs. You have to explain things to them, and sometimes more than once. You are your own expert – only you know what you are about," says Böcher. "And in case some things still don’t work out: Don’t give up! You are valuable – not because you are successful, but simply because you exist!"