Inclusion in focus: Erg Donaustadt wins educational prize for upper level

Inclusion in focus: Erg Donaustadt wins educational prize for upper level

In the Erg Donaustadt city, an important sign of inclusion and education was set. The school was awarded the inclusion price in the education category, which recognizes the use of the institution for young people with special needs.

15-year-old Michael Jorg, who visits the 5th grade music branch, speaks enthusiastically about his everyday school life: "I particularly like history and geography!" However, his possibilities are not a matter of course for all students. In Austria there is currently no legal regulation on inclusion in the upper level, although the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities from 2008 provides for this.

an innovative project

About seven years ago, those responsible at Erg Donaustadt initiated a project that enables students with cognitive impairments to integrate into the upper level. Dominik Alurban, inclusion educator at the school, explains: "We see our concept as a holistic approach in order not to continue to hinder disadvantaged students by existing systems."

The inclusion model grants the young person with social pedagogical support for an additional three years for orientation, which leads many young people into an independent life and an apprenticeship. "Only one of our 17 graduates started in a daily structure. Everyone else has found their way into society," emphasizes Alturban proudly.

Currently 12 students are enrolled in the inclusive upper level. The curriculum is individually adjusted and enables teachers to respond to the needs of each individual student. Inclusion educators are on the spot to offer small groups or individual lessons.

the inclusion price and its meaning

The inclusion price is an important step to further improve the conditions for all students. The Erg Donaustadt plans to use the funding award for aids or to improve the equipment of the rooms. The exact intended use is decided in the team. A total of 130 projects were submitted in eight categories for inclusion price, which underlines the high competitiveness and the value of the award.

The winners were selected by a jury made of inclusion experts, prominent personalities and media representatives. Criteria such as social participation, transferability and innovation played an important role in the evaluation. Alturban hopes that this recognition of the inclusive educational work will not only be temporary, but also contributes to anchoring inclusion by law and further promoting educational justice.

For more information about the inclusion projects and their social importance, there are detailed reports, including www.meinbezirk.at .

The Erg Donaustadt contributes to the impact on the impression of integrative educational offers and for the social integration of young people with special needs.