New advisors have been appointed in Pforzheim for public engagements
In Germany, the LIVE (Local Inclusive Association Engagement) project, a part of Special Olympics Germany, is making significant strides in promoting inclusion for people with learning disabilities. The project recently trained Christina Donath, Jan Widmaier, and LIVE project manager Carmen Brendelberger, equipping them with the necessary skills to facilitate engagement in sports and social activities that foster self-confidence, social skills, and community integration.
During their training, the trio discussed the rights of people with disabilities, implemented inclusion in Pforzheim, and honed their rhetorical skills. In their new roles, Christina and Jan will support the city of Pforzheim in various actions, events, and festivals, helping to decide which offers are available and accessible.
The role of participation advisors is crucial in breaking down barriers for people with learning disabilities. These advisors facilitate their involvement in programs tailored to their abilities, such as the Young Athletes program for children ages 2–7, which focuses on motor skills, social development, and learning routines. This engagement encourages interaction with peers and participation in community life beyond the sports arena.
However, engaging in sports, attending events, and pursuing personal interests can be challenging for people with disabilities due to various factors such as lack of accessibility, prejudices, and resource scarcity. Lack of accessibility, for instance, can limit the availability of inclusive offers, making it difficult for individuals with learning disabilities to participate fully.
Despite these challenges, there are around 160 participation advisors in Germany trained to enable people with learning disabilities to participate in decision-making about the offers available to them. Mohamed Zakzak, the inclusion officer of the city of Pforzheim, emphasizes that participation advisors have a unique perspective on challenges and solutions related to inclusion.
Jan Widmaier finds the training very interesting and looks forward to promoting inclusion to others. Christina Donath expresses excitement about participating in her first event as a participation advisor. The training for participation advisors covered background information about Special Olympics and improving rhetorical skills, preparing them for their tasks in the city of Pforzheim.
Through their training, advisors also educate communities and stakeholders on the capabilities of people with learning disabilities, fostering environments where inclusion is normalized. This initiative is a significant step towards advancing societal inclusion and acceptance, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in community life.
[1] Source: Special Olympics Germany website
In their new roles as participation advisors, Christina Donath and Jan Widmaier will work on introducing a lifestyle that promotes outdoor-living and home-and-garden activities, which are often overlooked for people with learning disabilities in Pforzheim, helping to create a more inclusive community. Through educating communities and stakeholders, these advisors aim to normalize the involvement of people with learning disabilities in such activities, further breaking down barriers and fostering a society where everyone's abilities are respected and considered.
The LIVE project's focus on inclusion goes beyond sports, aiming to provide people with learning disabilities the opportunities to engage in diverse activities that cater to their interests and contribute to their overall well-being, thus encouraging a more inclusive lifestyle in the community.
