Disability in Germany

Response

German Court Orders Protection of People with Disabilities in Triage Decisions

'The court found the legislature had failed “to take measures to ensure that no one is at risk of being disadvantaged on the basis of disability in the allocation of life-sustaining treatment if shortages in intensive care resources arise.” The court ordered lawmakers to introduce stronger measures based on the constitutional right to nondiscrimination. They should consider disability rights training for medical staff and the creation of stronger procedures to identify disabilities.'

See also the statement from the court or coverage on the guardian (2022, Human Rights Watch)

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Let's let the lifts glow: disabled people call to test accessibility of stations. (In German, 2023, Kobinet Nachrichten)

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TV and Film

Meet Elin, The German Sesame Street's First Muppet with a Disability. (2023, ABILITY Magazine)

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Young people with disabilities are less satisfied than others. Among youth surveyed, aged between 14 to 27, 53 percent of young people with disabilities are satisfied with their lives, compared to 78 percent of young people without disabilities. (In German, I used google translate, Sep, Zeit Online)

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New German accessibility law targets inclusive digital products and services by 2025: challenges and opportunities for economic operators. (Oct, DLA Piper)

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German far right’s Höcke wants to kick disabled kids out of regular schools (2023, Politico)

Translating Human Rights in Education: The Influence of Article 24 UN CRPD Comparing the meanings of inclusive education in Nigeria and Germany, and how the development of inclusive education has depended on “institutionalized special education” rather than a rights-based approach. (2022, University of Michigan Press)

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A higher fee for larger employers who do not fulfil obligations to employ people with severe disabilities. (2023, Deutschlandfunk)

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Demands for more inclusion in the health and care system (In German, 2023, EU-Schwerbehinderung)

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Adolf Ratzka: A Pioneer of Independent Living “His vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on the movement and people across Europe and beyond.” See also a tribute from Bente Skansgård. (Jul, ENIL)

Disabled People under fascist rule What do we know about disability policies in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy? (Jul, ENIL)

'The Malleable Body: Surgeons, Artisans, and Amputees in Early Modern Germany' A book review. (Apr, H-Disability)

Book review of 'What Kind of Island in What Kind of Sea' a collection of photographs of people with cognitive disabilities starting in 1980. (2023, H-Disability)

Uncovering a life deemed “unworthy of life”. “Why the Story of Hans Heinrich Festersen—Gay, Disabled, and Murdered by the Nazis—Matters” (2022, Zocalo Public Square)

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Overview

Blind Syrian granted asylum, is allowed to stay in Germany (2022, InfoMigrants)

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Migration

Concern over rights to naturalization for migrants with disabilities “The amount of money one needs to have in their bank account to prove self-sufficiency will be raised, which could serve as a barrier to people with disabilities who receive social benefits.” (2023, Infomigrants)

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Overview

Bye Bye Disabled Home: This Bremen couple wants to live independently. (In German, May, Buten un binnen)

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Conditions in Institutions

Attack on Lebenshilfe residential home in Mönchengladbach a right-wing extremist attack on a residential home for people with disabilities. (In German, May, WDR)

The role of state aid in the maintenance of institutions for disabled people A case study on Germany and Portugal (Link to pdf, 2023, ENIL)

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Is Germany accessible for travelers with disabilities? – DW – 11/06/2023 “It's not easy for vacationers with disabilities to travel around Germany. Can the required infrastructure be improved?” (2023, DW)

A lawyer sues the Ministry of Transport to ensure access to trains. (in German, 2022, Rollstuhl Kurier)

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The German Disability Council demands reforms for the amendment of the Disability Equality Act. (In German, Jul, Deutscher Behindertenrat)

Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Welcome Germany’s Increase in Social Benefits, Raise Questions on the Guardianship Law and Coercion in Psychiatric Facilities (2023)

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Everyday violence “The anti-disabled attacks in Mönchengladbach are reminiscent of very dark times.” (In German, Jun, Taz)

German parliament welcomes its first deaf lawmaker:

“Heubach will have a fixed place in the plenary hall, unlike most other lawmakers, according to the Bundestag's administration, with interpreters located near her to interpret speeches and her questions. When she makes speeches herself, an interpreter with a microphone will have a place next to the Bundestag's stenographers to interpret for other lawmakers.” (Mar, The Independent)

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