Two fresh financial consultants join the ranks in Pforzheim
In Pforzheim, Christina Donath and Jan Widmaier, recently appointed as Inclusion Consultants, will be supporting the city in actions, events, and festivals, helping to identify available opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Their role is crucial in promoting inclusion, as they act as knowledgeable facilitators and advocates who help create accessible, inclusive environments in various social, educational, and sporting settings.
The duo has completed two intensive training days as Inclusion Consultants, gaining background information on Special Olympics, discussing the rights of individuals with disabilities, and enhancing their rhetorical skills. The training, organised by Special Olympics Germany within the LIVE project, was led by Carmen Brendelberger from Special Olympics Baden-Württemberg.
Inclusion Consultants play a vital role in addressing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in participating in sports, attending events, and pursuing personal interests. Resource scarcity, lack of accessibility, prejudices, and discrimination are just some of the barriers they aim to overcome.
Their work is significant in enabling full participation and social integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, consistent with Special Olympics’ broader mission to empower individuals through sport and community engagement. By facilitating inclusion, these consultants help individuals with disabilities gain self-confidence, social skills, and greater independence, not only in sports but also in community life and education.
Inclusion Consultants also help dismantle stereotypes and reduce discrimination by educating others about the capabilities and rights of persons with disabilities. Their work contributes to broader societal change and aligns with initiatives like Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes and Healthy Communities programs, which address health, social, and emotional aspects of inclusion.
Moreover, their involvement helps institutions and communities develop long-term inclusive policies and practices rather than just temporary or isolated efforts. In Pforzheim, Mohamed Zakzak, Inclusion Officer, emphasises the importance of Inclusion Consultants in meeting specific needs and addressing challenges.
Christina Donath expresses excitement for her first event as an Inclusion Consultant, while Jan Widmaier found the training very interesting and is looking forward to promoting inclusion. There are approximately 160 Inclusion Consultants in Germany, all focusing on opportunities that are inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
This post is archived from a website, and some of the contact details and event dates mentioned may no longer be current. However, the general framework of Special Olympics’ work emphasizes training individuals to be catalysts for inclusive change, reinforcing the importance of Inclusion Consultants in promoting meaningful inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. This is also in harmony with global disability inclusion initiatives supported by organisations like WHO, which emphasise collaborative, inclusive approaches to health and social participation for people with disabilities.
[1] Special Olympics Germany website: Inclusion Consultants [2] Special Olympics Germany website: LIVE project [3] Special Olympics Germany website: Inclusion Consultants training [4] World Health Organization: Disability Inclusive Development
Christina Donath and Jan Widmaier, now Inclusion Consultants, are expanding their role beyond Pforzheim, aiming to catalyze change through education and self-development, thereby contributing to their personal growth as they help create more inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities in various settings, including sports, events, and education.
Their work as Inclusion Consultants enables individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain self-confidence, social skills, and greater independence, fostering personal growth and social integration in community life, not just in sports but also in education.
