Inclusion

Inclusion is a fundamental principle in accessibility and human rights. It refers to the full and equal participation of all people in society, regardless of disability, age, origin, or other characteristics.

In contrast to integration, which often expects people to adapt to existing structures, inclusion aims to reshape systems so that no one is excluded from the start.

Inclusion in Practice

• Education: Inclusive classrooms for students with and without disabilities
• Workplaces: Accessible hiring and promotion practices
• Public life: Participation in cultural, political, and social activities

Legal Foundation

Inclusion is anchored in both the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and national laws such as Germany’s Social Code (SGB IX). It emphasizes self-determination, diversity, and equal rights.

Goal

The ultimate goal of inclusion is a society where everyone belongs, and diversity is seen as a strength, not a barrier.