Inclusion conferences
Regular inclusion conferences have created a forum for dialog between as many different social institutions as possible. In addition to representatives of people with disabilities and their families, mayors of towns and municipalities, district councillors, housing associations, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, social institutions, public transport, retailers and many other stakeholders in our society are also invited.
Documentation of the inclusion conferences
Ludwigsburg district focuses on disability and migration
More than 100 guests attended the district's tenth inclusion conference at Scala Ludwigsburg. Under the motto "Thinking disability, migration and inclusion together", the district focused on people who face multiple barriers.
Since 2016, the conference has provided an annual space for impulses and encounters - it is open to citizens, those affected, politicians and social institutions. The anniversary event made it clear that inclusion is firmly anchored in the district and is being driven forward even under difficult financial conditions. Head of Social Affairs Christos Vavouras emphasized at the beginning: "Inclusion is not a ready-made solution, but an attitude, a process that is constantly growing." At the same time, he emphasized the importance of exchange and cooperation, especially in challenging times.
The keynote speaker Hülya Marquardt, a successful entrepreneur, author and inclusion ambassador, took center stage. In her contribution, she gave an impressive account of how disability and migration intersect in her own life story and how these experiences have shaped her and made her the person she is today. "Beauty and strength lie in the uniqueness of every person - with all their special characteristics," said Marquardt.
Short contributions and interview formats offered practical insights
The other short contributions and interview formats offered practical insights and gave people with disabilities and a history of migration the opportunity to share their perspectives. It became clear where structural barriers still exist in everyday life and also where new opportunities open up through joint cooperation.
Speakers included Mohamed Zakzak, Inclusion Officer of the City of Pforzheim, the Social Service Asylum of the Ludwigsburg District Office and representatives of the Theo-Lorch workshops. The evening was accompanied by music from Trio Babel, which added an extra touch and enriched the event.
Silke Rapp from the Inclusion Network and Dalya Abu Daqqa, Integration Officer for the district of Ludwigsburg, hosted the program. The district office has already announced: The inclusion conference will continue in 2026 with the generous support of the Ludwigsburg District Savings Bank's Youth Development, Labor and Social Affairs Foundation.
Anchoring inclusion further in people's minds
A varied program awaited the around 90 participants at the ninth Inclusion Conference of the Ludwigsburg district. The focus of this year's meeting was to take stock of 15 years of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the district of Ludwigsburg.
Almost a tenth of the population in the district of Ludwigsburg was living with a severe disability at the end of 2023, reported Social Affairs Officer Christos Vavouras. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has led to the adoption of certain measures and laws that have a direct impact at district level, such as the reorganization of integration assistance in the Federal Participation Act or the expansion of barrier-free bus stops. However, according to Vavouras, laws alone are not enough, it is important that inclusion is brought about in people's minds.
Keynote speaker Matthias Berg tests the audience
Matthias Berg, a well-known ZDF Paralympics expert, lawyer, horn player and coach, shared his own personal experiences with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He encouraged those present to stand up for who they are and what they can do. "Inclusion begins in the mind," said Berg. Freedom of thought lies in your own reaction. Berg appealed to the audience with a "sticking point test": "Pay attention to your choice of words", because words create images and emotions.
Challenges in the district despite convention
Professor Dr. Sandra Fietkau, Dean of the Ludwigsburg Protestant University of Applied Sciences, and Claudia Lychacz, Municipal Disability Officer in the Ludwigsburg district, reported from an academic perspective. Lychacz cited medical care, long application processing times and the limited opportunities for people with disabilities on the general labor market as challenges. "We have enough rights, now we should get more into action," said Lychacz.
Antonio Florio from the association "Selbstbestimmt Leben im Landkreis Ludwigsburg e.V." spoke on behalf of the association sector in the district and the extent to which the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has an impact on association life. "The association wants to be loud for a self-determined life without barriers - actually quite normal," said Florio.
The conclusion of the ninth inclusion conference was that it is important to recognize the diversity of people with disabilities in all its facets. Their contributions should be incorporated even more strongly into planning and politics.
We have documented the event for you in accessible short films.
You can find the films on our YouTube channel under this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39dBiD1xPBA&list=PLFFGA7KQj_vYL4JMS2ufDsqey36MjUYr-&index=1
There are two versions of each film: One film each with German sign language and subtitles and another film each in simple language.
In the info box below each film you will find a description for visually impaired people (audio description), which you can have read aloud.
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- Fourth inclusion conference: September 2019 PDF documentation of the Inclusion Conference 2019 on the topic "All inclusive? The world of travel and tourism".
- Photo protocol of the regional dialog - Third Inclusion Conference PDF photo protocol of the third inclusion conference 2018 "Dialog: Thinking inclusion locally - structures and opportunities in your area".
- Third inclusion conference: June 2018 PDF documentation of the Inclusion Conference 2018 on the topic of "Thinking inclusion at a local level".
- Second inclusion conference: March 2017 PDF documentation of the Inclusion Conference 2017 on the topic of "Inclusive living".
- First inclusion conference: April 2016 PDF documentation of the Inclusion Conference 2016 at the start of the Inclusion Conference pilot project.
