On Tuesday, the Go Inclusive initiative was launched in Luxembourg at a press conference.
In Luxembourg, some people with disabilities manage their life without difficulties; for others, the reality of their disability makes the realisation of their life projects difficult. Since the ratification of the UN Convention on the rights of people with disability, Inclusion is undoubtedly a fundamental right.
As a result, from 5 October 2015, the Ligue HMC will launch Go Inclusive, a large public debate about the inclusion of people with disabilities. In proposing a series of lectures, workshops and a photo competition, the Ligue HMC wants to raise awareness of disabilities.
Challenging stereotypes
"In 2015, access to many areas such as education, work and culture remains difficult for many people with disabilities. There are different types of disabilities and all do not have the same issues. But whether physical, sensory or mental, those are all barriers to inclusion", explained Jeannine Thill of Ligue HMC and head of the initiative. Since 1963, the Ligue HMC stands for the inclusion of people with mental disabilities. So, The Go Inclusive programme invites all stakeholders to comment on the opportunities and limits of inclusion of people with (mental) disabilities. The idea is not to focus specifically on one particular area (education, training, work or housing, for example), but to encourage reflection on the necessary and sufficient conditions for inclusion, either at the level of society in general or the level of those directly affected (people with disabilities and their environment) or indirectly (professionals and decision-making powers).
Starting on 5 October by the conference "What are we really talking about when we talk about inclusion?" Go Inclusive will launch the debate on this subject that is difficult to define and put into practice. "Many professionals will share their expertise, and people with disabilities will tell their stories - sometimes treacherous - to access a "normal" life. Go Inclusive also includes a photo contest. Workshops for people with disabilities are intended to enable them to exchange them and help them overcome their fears to live like others" continued Mr Müller, Director of Training and Labour at the HMC League.
Improving educational support
A world café, reserved specifically for professionals in the social sector, will also be organised. The objective is to find together new educational tracks to support the inclusion of people with disabilities. "Working in the sense of inclusion requires a basic paradigm shift in the accompaniment. We must question our perception of work and design an educational and promoting human supervision, among people with disabilities, the desire to live independently, and awareness of the risks inherent in any decision. Hence the importance of human support and information available" said Claudine Nosbusch, Director Home Accommodation.
What prospects for the future?
Go Inclusive will close on 3 December with a festive evening at Mamer Schlass. In addition to taking stock of different events, a number of people with and without disabilities will present a musical-choreographic composition. "We hope our initiative will raise awareness of this issue of inclusion. This exchange can only improve educational support and give confidence to people with disabilities. Anything is possible with mutual respect, tolerance and human sensitivity!"; concluded the Training and Labour Director.
