lnclusion is achieved in everyday life. The Federal Government will hence be particularly concentrating on shaping an inclusive immediate social environment: Diversity of living arrangements and possibilities to meet and advise near to places of residence, accessible cultural and leisure services and a well-functioning network of highly-varied specialist, support and assistance services, are the elixir of an inclusive society.
The “Social Living” umbrella programme covers the period from 2010 to 2014 with a budget of Euro 3.85 million and will tackle topics such as mobile counselling, skill development of craft enterprises, technology-aided living and inclusive social areas.
The supply of accessible homes has already increased continuously in recent years. Another Euro 518 million will be available every year until 2013 in the context of housing promotion, including for schemes to reduce barriers in existing homes or to build new accessible rented housing or owner-occupied homes for persons with disabilities. Materials on accessibility are to be drawn up to assist the development of architects’ skills.
Particular importance attaches to unrestricted access to medical care. For this reason, the Federal Government would like to remove constructional and communication-related barriers in doctors’ surgeries and rehabilitation facilities: An adequate number of surgeries are to become accessible in the next ten years. In 2012, the Federal Government will be developing an overall concept together with the Länder and the medical profession, helping to guarantee barrier-free access and accessible fittings in practices and clinics. Additionally, guidelines for doctors are to be developed amongst other things.
There have already been considerable improvements in recent years when it comes to the mobility of persons with disabilities. Roughly 100 railway stations of the German Railways are made accessible each year. The Federal Government will be campaigning for a further expansion of the Railways and of local public passenger transport to ensure mobility.
An important novelty is planned for people who are entitled to travel for free: The restriction applicable for railways of the Federation in local transport to within 50 km of an individual’s registered address is to be abolished.
In the context of the eGovernment strategy on “participation”, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) will be further expanding the information and services for accessible travel planning on this established Internet portal.
Accessibility may not end outside cinemas or at the theatre box office. Persons with disabilities are to be able to take part with others in art, culture, sport, leisure and tourism activities, without encountering obstacles and whilst enjoying equal rights. The Federal Government is hence endeavouring to further “Design for All” which takes account of the range of human abilities, skills, needs and preferences; moreover, assistance systems are to be developed which support people with physical handicaps. Research funds are being made available for this.
Amendments to the Film Promotion Act will enable more new cinema films to be provided with audio description and extensive subtitling. Cinema promotion is above all to benefit the installation of wheelchair places and induction loops for the hard of hearing.
© Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales 2023