Advisory board for people with disabilities

At the most recent meeting of the advisory board on 20.03.2025, the main focus was on the main topics of the working groups, which deal with inclusion in all its facets. Andrea Rausch, head of the city's civil engineering department, gave a presentation on her office's current projects. Particular attention was paid to how the interests of disabled people are taken into account. Among other things, the expansion project in Tiefensteiner Straße, the situation regarding crosswalks and the construction work at various bus stops in the city were explained. Petra Lauer from the municipal public order office also provided information on the subject of disabled parking spaces. The committee used the presence of the two responsible parties to ask many questions about the current projects and to further improve mutual understanding of the different needs.

Other items on the agenda included the results of the working groups on toilet facilities and inclusion in sport. The "Toilets with heart" working group presented the first improvements that the building management team has made to the municipal toilet facilities. Further suggestions will be proposed to the relevant departments. The Inclusion in Sport working group presented a concept to promote inclusion in sport together with municipal clubs. Measures and campaigns are to be initiated in the near future.

Challenges for people with disabilities that cannot be directly influenced by the city administration were also discussed. The plan here is to approach owners of commercial properties or operators of businesses in order to create more understanding for the needs of people with disabilities.

The next meeting of the Advisory Board will take place on April 29, 2025 at 5 p.m. on the premises of Lebenshilfe Idar-Oberstein. This will be the first meeting outside of the meeting room. In future, it is planned to hold regular meetings at facilities dedicated to inclusion in order to strengthen cohesion and make the work of the advisory board more transparent.