Is it true that Germany is lagging behind when it comes to equality for people with disabilities?

We are currently receiving repeated questions as to whether it is true that Germany is lagging behind when it comes to equality for people with disabilities? The trigger for this is likely to be a report from the German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR). Let's look at the topic in detail:

A country's journey towards full inclusion and equality.

It's like a painting that initially impresses, but upon closer inspection reveals that the artist still has many brush strokes to add. Although Germany has made progress towards equal rights for people with disabilities, there is still a long way to go towards full inclusion.

A limping progress

The first thought that comes to mind is: “Is this really how it is in one of the leading countries in Europe?” Yes, indeed. While many countries are taking steps towards inclusion, Germany appears to have taken a step back in some areas. For example, the system of special structures - including special schools, to which over half of all children with disabilities go - is heavily criticized.

“There is a lot of discussion about inclusion, but it is not consistently put into practice,” explained the head of the monitoring center, Leander Palleit. This makes many people sit up and take notice. Discussions without concrete actions lead to a status quo that moves slowly or not at all.

The critical view of the DIMR

The German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR) makes it clear that the efforts made in recent years have not been enough. An example: Only ten percent of medical practices in Germany are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Imagine you want to go to the doctor, but you can't get in. For many of us this sounds surreal, but for people with disabilities it is often a bitter reality.

What does the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities say?

In 2009, Germany committed to implementing the UN Convention. This guarantees self-determination in many areas of life for people with disabilities. Full inclusion in schools, at work and in leisure time is an integral part of this convention. But after more than a decade, Germany has still not fully fulfilled this obligation. The DIMR report provides evidence from both those affected and civil society and paints a picture that should be taken seriously.

Reality in the light of statistics

At the end of 2021, there were around 7.8 million severely disabled people living in Germany, which is an impressive 9.4 percent of the population. The question that arises is: How can a country that sees itself as progressive and developed neglect such a large part of its population?

Disability in Germany: Insight into the statistics and background

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, there were around 7.8 million people in Germany with a severe disability at the end of 2021, which corresponds to 9.4 percent of the total population. This applies to individuals who have a disability level of over 50 and who have a severely disabled person's ID card. Surprisingly, only three percent of this group are impaired from birth. The vast majority, namely 90 percent, suffer from severe disabilities due to illness.

Conclusion: Action is called for

You can twist and turn it however you want: Germany still has a lot to do. The country must not only put words into action, but also identify existing hurdles and consistently remove them. Every person deserves equality, regardless of their physical or mental abilities. And it is up to all of us to perfect the picture of inclusion in Germany.

Source: DIMR

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