In the summer of 2023, local participation management was newly established in the Börde district in order to place the rights of people with disabilities even more firmly at the centre of municipal action. Since then, the district's participation officer, Ms Andrea Watteroth, has been coordinating and supporting a wide range of measures to improve accessibility, self-determination and social participation.
"Inclusion is not a short-term project, but a long-term task," emphasises Ms Watteroth. "It's about creating structures that enable all people in the Börde district to lead a self-determined life - regardless of physical, mental or psychological limitations."
Her work centres on the further development of the municipal action plan "Our Vision for Inclusion 2.0". Andrea Watteroth acts as an important interface between those affected, their interest groups and the district administration. Through her work, barriers to participation are recognised and specifically removed - be it in the areas of housing, work, education or communication.
The measures implemented to date include
Surveying structural barriers to participation in daycare centres, schools and after-school care centres in order to better plan regional inclusion opportunities
Needs assessment for the initiation of inclusive sports programmes
Introduction of a compact "Easy Language" course in the training of administrative staff
Organising networking meetings and events for the internal Day of People with Disabilities
Providing opportunities to participate in audio description programmes at Magdeburg Theatre
Training opportunities for audio descriptors
Organisation of the annual "shift change" day with subsequent internships in the district administration
Tests on accessibility in swimming pools with peer groups.
An important milestone for the future was reached on 3 December 2025: the district council decided to set up an Inclusion Advisory Board in the second half of 2026. This body is intended to give people with disabilities a stronger voice and actively involve them in political decision-making processes. All citizens of the district who are affected themselves or are committed to helping people with disabilities are invited to apply for a position.
The district administrator and administration see this step as a great opportunity: "With the Inclusion Advisory Council, we are creating a forum in which those affected can have a direct say. This is democracy in action and a further step towards an open and inclusive society in the Börde district."
Local participation management will continue to provide important impetus in the coming years - for example by further expanding barrier-free services, raising awareness among institutions and promoting networks between clubs, associations and those affected.
The district of Börde would like to expressly thank everyone involved, especially Mrs Andrea Watteroth, for her dedicated work. Her efforts are making a significant contribution to ensuring that inclusion in the Börde district is not just a word, but is becoming a reality step by step.
Contact:
Börde district
Local participation management
Participation officer: Ms Andrea Watteroth
Bornsche Straße 2
39340 Haldensleben
Telephone: 03904 7240-4174
Fax: 03904 7240-52667
E-mail:teilhabe@landkreis-boerde.de
Further information can be found at Local participation management | District of Börde