Inclusion celebrated: The day of the encounter inspires 600 visitors in Schwandorf!

Inclusion celebrated: The day of the encounter inspires 600 visitors in Schwandorf!

In the Upper Palatinate district of Schwandorf, the festive “day of encounter” was recently held, an important event that aims to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities into society. The event, which was launched by the Women's Union, offers a wide audience a platform for contacts and the exchange of experiences.

The initiative was launched in 1998 by the then district chairman of the Women's Union, Emilia Müller. In her family environment, she experienced up close how much disabled people suffer from social exclusion. "At that time there was hardly any talk of inclusion," recalled Müller of the beginnings of the event, which took place for the first time in Nabburg. At that time, employees of the Naabwerkstätten bore responsibility for the organization and invited relatives and legal supervisors to a sociable get -together.

promotion of participation and inclusion

The latest edition of the "Day of the Encounter" took place in the sports park hall in Schwarzenfeld. Here, committed members of the Women's Union hosted around 600 guests with homemade cakes and drinks. FU district chairman Jennifer Lehmer, who was able to actively participate in the organization, emphasized the continued existence of this valuable tradition, which also had to experience an interruption during the corona pandemic.

The managing director of the Naabwerkstätten, Margit Gerber, was pleased with the invitation and emphasized that this day is a highlight of the year for many employees. "The Women's Union brings great joy in the everyday life of our employees," said Gerber. She also honored long-time employees at the event and presented the FU representatives and the deputy mayor Blumen as a sign of appreciation.

A special highlight of the day was a musical sole entertainer who not only encouraged the guests to the polonaise, but also created a pleasant atmosphere that invited to celebrate. The day therefore revealed not only the progress in inclusion, but also the ongoing great need for such encounter formats for people with disabilities.

Emilia Müller, who is considered a pioneer of this initiative, thanked the successors on the board of the Women's Union and emphasized the continuing need for social participation for people with deficits in the educational, labor and cultural sector. It remains to be hoped that such events will continue to strengthen the bridges between different social groups and raise awareness of the need for inclusion.