Government calls for confidence: inclusion should be a priority!

Government calls for confidence: inclusion should be a priority!

On December 24, 2025, Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and other political leaders call for confidence. At a time when many Austrians are skeptical about the future, Van der Bellen acknowledges the citizens' concerns. However, he emphasizes the advantages of age and accumulated experience that can help overcome current challenges. These comments come in a context that also addresses budget concerns, but reference is made to the more difficult situation in other countries to bolster optimism. The current trough has been passed, emphasizes Stocker, and encourages the population to rely on solidarity and positive developments.

Particularly noteworthy is the issue of inclusion, which is discussed by Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) as one of the most important political priorities. Babler announces major projects and additional funding for the inclusion of disabled people, while Meinl-Reisinger emphasizes social responsibility for this. The required one-stop shop for inclusion, for which State Secretary Josef Schellhorn is responsible, is intended to reduce bureaucratic and digital hurdles.

Inclusion as a task for society as a whole

The debates about inclusion span a wide range across various social aspects. Inclusion refers to overcoming exclusion and barriers that prevent access to education and social opportunities. According to the bpb.de Inclusion is not limited to individual groups or institutions; it is a social task that requires equal coexistence. UNESCO made the term internationally known in 1994 with the Salamanca Declaration. Furthermore, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which came into force in 2008, plays a crucial role in the integration of people with disabilities into society.

Up to 7.9 million people with severe disabilities currently live in Germany, which makes up almost 10% of the population. Despite the increased awareness of inclusive approaches, there is still a divided school system in Germany for students with and without special needs. A survey shows that despite the high level of support for inclusion among teachers, practical implementation often falls short of expectations. With only around 30% of teachers believing successful implementation of inclusion is possible, the reality in many schools falls short of the necessary measures.

Challenges and solutions

Accessibility remains a central concern. In 2023, around 50% of outpatient medical practices had barrier-free access, but these only partially meet the criteria for people with disabilities. Therefore, further efforts are needed to improve access to culture and education. The German Cultural Council and the Commissioner for the Disabled are calling for targeted participation recommendations for an inclusive culture and better visibility of sign language in various areas.

Those responsible are calling for a coordinated approach to promote inclusion in education and culture, which should be implemented in the coming years. In particular, the expansion of inclusion measures is considered essential in order to ensure social participation for all citizens and reduce discrimination. These complex challenges require all social actors to tackle them together in order to consistently put the demand for inclusion into practice.