"When it comes to inclusion, people talk too often about problems - and too little about the solutions that exist." With this provocative statement, activist and book author Raúl Krauthausen opened the press talk entitled "Alle(s) Inklusiv? The Community im Interview" in the sports hall of REHCARE 2023, International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and Care. Stern TV presenter Dieter Könnes also welcomed Felix Streng, Ambassador of the Invictus Games, and Stefan Palkowski, player in the amputee football team of Fortuna Düsseldorf. Also present: Moritz Brückner, author ("Das ganz andere Leben") and journalist Jonas Karpa from the "Sozialhelden" association.
The discussion focused on the desire of all participants to be treated as a normal part of society. "I am not a different person than before my accident, even though I am now in a wheelchair," Moritz Brückner emphasised. In encounters, he often senses the uncertainty in the behaviour of his counterpart. Felix Streng feels the same way. His recommendation for such situations: "Be open, ask questions." For example, you can offer help and leave it up to the people with disabilities to decide whether they want to accept it.
Jonas Karpa and Raúl Krauthausen formulated concrete demands. "In the development of aids such as wheelchairs or prostheses, people with disabilities are not included at all or too late. Why are too few engineers with disabilities trained?" asked Krauthausen. Jonas Karpa feels that he is often hindered by discrimination and barriers - even in doctors' surgeries, he said. He would like to see discussion rounds in which people with disabilities not only talk about inclusion, but are interviewed as experts. Among other things, Karpa and his team are campaigning to provide disabled journalists with an (internet) platform for publications - the „Neue Norm“.
Footballer Stefan Palkowski reported how important it was for him after his work accident to set himself small goals that he could achieve despite his disability (one lower leg is amputated). "It gives a boost to self-confidence." So, with the support of his colleagues and family, he even managed to be part of the Iron Man competition in Hawaii. He was also helped by technical innovations such as a spring prosthesis, with which he can now "run a marathon without pain".
More encounters with people with disabilities as equals - in sport, but also in other areas such as art and culture, that's what Raúl Krauthausen wanted for the future of inclusion. And Moritz Brückner, looking at the innovations that will be presented at REHACARE 2023, said: "We are on the right track in terms of accessibility.
The conclusion of this impressive event is clear: The world needs more encounters and fewer barriers in the mind. The participants of the Rehacare Press Talks have shown that inclusion and diversity are not only desirable, but also achievable. With determination, education and empathy, we can create a society where everyone has equal opportunities.
