Discussion rounds of LAG SELBSTHILFE Baden-Wuerttemberg

The 22nd European Trade Fair for Rehabilitation, Therapy, Care and Inclusion, REHAB, will take place in Karlsruhe from 15 to 17 June 2023.

This year, LAG SELBSTHILFE Baden-Wuerttemberg e.V. is coordinating two discussion rounds in the Forum in Hall 3, including one on 15 June 2023 on the topic: "How can participation of people with disabilities in working life be effectively increased? Opportunities and barriers."

A wide variety of representatives from all the key players in the world of work will take part in the moderated panel discussion and express their views on this burning issue of our time - from very different perspectives.

Also present are:

• For the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration; Dr. Andreas Grünupp (Department - 32 people with disabilities);
• for the employers - Ms. Yasmin Stößer (company social worker at the company AfB, non-profit GmbH in Ettlingen (social & green IT);
• for the employees - who participate in working life with a disability - Mr. Tobias Böhnke;
• Ms. Angelika Kvaic, as representative of the Employment Agency - Regional Directorate Baden-Württemberg;
• as representative of the trade unions - Mr. Thorsten Dossow (Managing Director of the trade union Verdi (Mittelbaden - Nordschwarzwald);
• Mr. Alexander Schwarz, as Representative for Innovation and Technology (BIT) Focus on business development and inclusion in the skilled crafts sector - from the (Stuttgart Region Chamber of Skilled Crafts);
• Ms. Monika Leutenecker, Deputy Head of Department 35 - Inclusion in the skilled crafts sector - from the (Stuttgart Region Chamber of Skilled Crafts). Ms. Monika Leutenecker, Deputy Head of Department 35 - Inclusion Companies at the Municipal Association for Youth and Social Affairs B.W. (KVJS).

The discussion will be moderated by Bärbel Kehl-Maurer, 1st Chairwoman of LAG SELBSTHILFE Baden-Wuerttemberg e. V.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities often still find it difficult to gain a foothold in working life. Yet there are numerous opportunities that need to be exploited. However, effectively increasing the participation of people with disabilities in working life requires overcoming barriers.

Bärbel Kehl-Maurer, 1st Chairwoman of LAG SELBSTHILFE, sums it up: "People with disabilities can also make a contribution to the success of a company. The problem is that they are usually not trusted to do so. Particularly in times of labour shortages, the employment of people with disabilities - if properly organized - is a good idea."

To make this possible, there are already some "good examples" - from which it is worth learning - and a comprehensive support structure that is often still far too little known. In addition to creating barrier-free workplaces, it is particularly important to promote training and further education opportunities and raise awareness among employers and colleagues of the needs of people with disabilities.

"It is important to remain in constant dialog. Inclusion in the workplace must not be allowed to fail because those involved are not well informed or have not discussed good options," says Hans-Jürgen Hillenhagen, board member of LAG SELBSTHILFE Baden-Württemberg.

The stakeholders involved agree that the core concerns of this exchange meeting at the REHAB trade fair should be "taken on board" and further developed with those involved so that people with disabilities are given real opportunities in the world of work and additional employment opportunities in the future.