Perpetual process Inclusion is lived in Beckum

The LWL is the funding organisation in Westphalia for services for over 110,000 people with a significant disability. Michaela Al-Chabi, the city council's representative for the interests of people with disabilities, also took part in the discussion.

Karsten Koch reported that in 2024, there were a total of 485 people in Beckum who received integration assistance from the LWL for living in and outside of special forms of housing and for participation in working life. Over 15.9 million euros had been paid by the LWL for this. Integration assistance is intended to enable equal participation in society with an individualised lifestyle. Koch emphasised: "The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is binding international law, which the Federal Republic of Germany has transposed into national law. Today, integration assistance in North Rhine-Westphalia is a mandatory municipal task that is carried out by the LWL and is effectively paid for by the cities and municipalities via levies."

During the discussion, it became clear that the areas of living and working in particular pose major challenges. There is far too little suitable living space for people with disabilities. Despite the progress that has been made, further efforts are also required in Beckum. Unemployment is also above average compared to people without disabilities. Public and private employers should be motivated to hire more people with disabilities beyond the legal requirements. The LWL provides comprehensive support in this regard. Karsten Koch welcomed the fact that the town of Beckum has its own inclusion officer, Michaela Al-Chabi. "This emphasises the importance that is attached to this task. When you consider that half of the people affected are born with a disability and the other half only acquire their disability in the course of their lives, it becomes clear that inclusion is a constantly changing core responsibility of the council and administration."

Mayor Gerdhenrich explained: "Inclusion is not just a political goal for us in Beckum, but a lived value. On the Day of Encounter in particular, we once again saw how colourful, cheerful and open our urban society is - it was a fantastic celebration that showed how much inclusion is brought to life here." Nevertheless, Gerdhenrich also emphasised: "We must not rest on our laurels. Inclusion is a process that is never complete. We must always endeavour to continue to improve - whether in our homes, at work or in our everyday interactions."