Bergisch Gladbach's Inclusion Council grows to better represent disability rights
Bergisch Gladbach's Inclusion Council has expanded to thirteen members, making it more representative of the city's diverse population. The council also elected new leadership and adopted an updated action plan to further promote accessibility and participation for all residents. During its latest session, the council unanimously chose Katharina Kaul, a representative of the Catholic Youth Agency, as its new chair. Uta Vossebrecker, from the Max Bruch Municipal Music School, was elected as deputy chair. Both will lead efforts to ensure the voices of people with disabilities shape local policies.
The council has grown from twelve to thirteen seats, now including representatives with learning disabilities for the first time. This change aims to better reflect the city's population and strengthen advocacy for marginalised groups. Members were also appointed to city council committees, ensuring disability perspectives are considered in key decisions. An updated Inclusion Action Plan was approved, focusing on clearer communication and greater accessibility. The council is increasingly using plain and easy-to-read language in its documents. The plan will now go before the Committee for Social Affairs, Housing, Demography, and Gender Equality (ASWDG) and the city council for final approval. Kaul emphasised that inclusion is essential for a society where everyone can live independently and participate fully. Mayor Marcel Kreutz thanked all involved for their dedication to building a more inclusive, livable, and forward-thinking city.
The expanded council and new action plan mark concrete steps toward greater representation and accessibility in Bergisch Gladbach. Once approved by the city council, the measures will help integrate the needs of people with disabilities into local decision-making processes.
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