18.08.2014

Inclusion is possible

"Recognizing that discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person", says the Convention of the United Nations on the rights of persons with disabilities. Therefore, removing the stigma on persons with disabilities is one of the most important steps of realizing inclusivity in any society and in any given environment. Inclusive society is the vision of the works of churches for and with persons with disabilities. United Evangelical Mission (UEM) through its International Diaconia Program held a consultation on "Inclusion" from 9th to 17th June 2014 in Bielefeld-Bethel with the participants coming from Asia, Africa and Germany. With the basic understanding that every child is created in the image of God (Genesis 5:1), every child has the right to play, to learn and to live with dignity, experts on this theme and leaders of institutions that serve persons with disabilities engaged in intensive sharing, presentations and reflection. The programs during the week were: General Introduction of UEM and its international program on Diakonia, presentation and discussion on Biblical and theological understanding on people with disabilities, Convention of the United Nations on the rights of persons with disabilities, Theatre Workshop on "Inclusion", excursions to different institutions and projects, and presentation of each participant on the works in their respective institution. Sharing to one another and learning from one another is one of the best processes of deepening understanding on the theme of inclusion and attaining ideas and inspiration for further work. It is exactly what the participants acknowledged after ten days of engagement on this theme. All of the participants expressed their joy and gratitude for being part of this process. "How nice it is to hear and to witness the wonderful works for persons with disabilities in other institutions and in other countries. We really have learned a lot in such a short time. We want to improve our works on inclusion in our institution and in our community." They all expressed their wish for further works in a higher level than they have been doing so far, continuing to improve the implementation of the ideal rights as written in the UN-Convention in their own institution and respective context and in realizing biblical vision of inclusive society. They are in the forefront of the efforts to realizing inclusion of people with disabilities and in fighting against stigma that comes with the label of "disability". One participant even introduced a small step of addressing disabled persons with the term "Difabel", which means person with other ability or different abilities.

Inclusion is Possible

Presentations and performances during the consultation showed that inclusion is possible. Nevertheless, the realisation of an inclusive community, where the rights of disabled people are fully recognized and implemented, needs commitment, determination and right attitudes of all segments of society and related institutions. It needs time to help disabled people themselves, their families and wider society to be aware of the issues related to this theme. It is hoped that at the end all will realize that persons with disabilities are not burden of the society, but its integral part, just as everyone else, who is responsible and capable to contribute to the society for the good of all. Inclusion is possible. One real example of this belief is exposed during the excursion in Bielefeld. In one institution the group met a committed person, activist and politician, who is a person with disabilities himself. He has been fighting since many years for the rights of people with disabilities in the city of Bielefeld. He is a living witness of the possibility of changing his own world and wider world by persistently hearing his inner voice and advocating the rights of persons with disabilities. He and his co-workers fight from small matters to the very principle things related to the rights of people with disabilities. For instance, they fight for Barrier-Free environment. In this way, the decision-making processes in the city of Bielefeld would accommodate the their needs, concerns and voices. The participants also had opportunity to take part at the yearly party of Mamre-Patmos School in the Neuen Schmiede, an inclusive cultural center in Bethel. All were very impressed by the "true" realization of inclusivity, where people with disability and without disability were welcome and could freely and actively participate in all programs during the evening. It was really an atmosphere where everyone could feel comfortable, without being pushed or pressed for any thing. The musical performance was so alive and inviting every body to feel free to move and to dance. Every body acknowledged, that it was an unforgettable evening. One could see the most happy faces during this evening. There was no difference between people with disabilities or without disabilities. Inclusion is possible, not only in Germany, but also in other regions. One participant for example shared the experience on how the persons with autism were trained to work in a small bakery. At the beginning the parents could not believe that their children would be able to do some thing good for their life. For them, that was an impossible mission. But after some months of training, they were able to produce cookies with good quality, that could be sold in normal markets. The participants from other institutions in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, Tanzania, Botswana and Cameroon shared also their achievements as well as challenges on working with people with disabilities. One of the most important conclusions from their sharing is, when a person is empowered to realize their rights and to identify their potentials, he/she could grow stronger and with self-confidence, achieving wonderful things in this life. They are not burden of society, on the contrary they could contribute to the life of their families, institution and wider society, just like every person. The next steps… The Consultation on "Inclusion" is only one step of a long journey of working together with and for persons with disabilities in international setting of UEM. Through these days of intensive consultation, all of participants feel stronger, more committed and more determined to continue the long journey of realizing God’s vision for inclusive society. The participants would share their experience to their colleagues and co-workers back home, as well as to the leaders of their sending Churches. They will look together on how to improve their works and identified the needs for short and long terms. The exchanges of ideas, experiences, resources or even personals for short and longer terms in the UEM framework will be considered. Specific needs on this matter will be dealt specifically, but common sharing and discussion on the theme will continue. Some of the participants also expressed their willingness and commitment to continue their discussion on UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. The signing and ratification of the convention by government is one thing. On the other hand, it is important to implement it in grass-root level. They would discuss the content of the convention with the clients or persons with disabilities, that they may understand their rights and even be empowered to fight for them. It is good to let them be the main actors of their struggle. The wish of persons with disabilities "don’t talk about us without us" has to be appreciated and respected. It is the best way for inclusion.