New Disabled Advisory Board in Oberspreewald-Lausitz: Breaking barriers!

New Disabled Advisory Board in Oberspreewald-Lausitz: Breaking barriers!

The newly founded advisory board for the disabled in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district officially began its work at the beginning of 2026. The aim of this important body is to break down barriers, strengthen participation and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities Radio Cottbus reported.

The constituent meeting took place in the multi-generational house in Lauchhammer, where members of the advisory board and representatives of the district administration met. The central topics of the meeting were an introduction to the working methods of the advisory board, discussion of the statutes, current topics in the district administration and organizational agreements. The next meeting dates have also been set. Particularly pleasing: Mike Büttner from Schwarzbach was unanimously elected chairman, supported by his deputies Martin Große from Lauchhammer and Anna Bresching from Lübbenau/Spreewald.

An advisory board for participation

With 14 volunteer members, many of whom live with disabilities themselves, the advisory board sees itself as an advisory body and representation of interests towards politics, administration and the public. The aim is to make obstacles visible and to promote equal participation in order to achieve long-term improvements for people with disabilities. This is the first district-level disability advisory board in the region.

The meetings are public so that interested citizens can submit comments, suggestions and concerns. Contact can be made via the district administration's equal opportunities and disability officer.

Nationwide accessibility initiatives

The founding of the Advisory Council for the Disabled comes in a context in which the Federal Government is increasingly pursuing the reduction of barriers. In November 2022, a cabinet decision was made on accessibility as a cross-departmental and cross-level task BMAS elaborates further. The aim of this federal initiative is to help people with disabilities achieve their right to full participation in all areas of life.

Since the launch of the initiative, numerous accessibility measures have been implemented, and the obligation to remove barriers remains for the federal government as well as for states and municipalities. This initiative is open-ended and works across levels, which significantly increases the chances of comprehensively improving the living situation of people with disabilities.