Inclusion council for people with disabilities

On June 25, the sixth meeting of the Inclusion Advisory Board for People with Disabilities of the City of Idar-Oberstein took place. Following an update from Chairman Horst Müller on the progress of the projects being pursued by the advisory board, the working groups reported on their findings. The inclusive sports group was able to report progress. Chris Joschka Flick plans to contact the clubs—with the assistance of an inclusion coordinator from the State Sports Federation—to promote inclusive programs. One example is TV Oberstein with its inclusive sports group. Recently, an opportunity has also been introduced for people with disabilities to earn the German Sports Badge. The dates are July 1 and 8, as well as August 5, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m. each day; advance registration is required by calling 06781 25459 or emailing tv1848oberstein@t-online.de.

The chairperson presented the decision to upgrade several traffic light systems with an inclusive approach. The goal is to work with the Public Works Department to establish a practical standard that improves the situation for people with disabilities while taking all interests into account.

A successful example of these changes was the 2026 Jazz Festival organized by the city’s Cultural Affairs Office. Last year, there was a request to lay cables in a more accessible manner. In response, this year, Cultural Affairs Officer Annette Strohm, together with the responsible staff member Michael Anton, ensured a largely accessible experience by installing modern cable bridges that made it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the area. The Jazz Days were unanimously hailed as a great success.

The chairperson reported on the Family and Social Pass. District Administrator Miroslaw Kowalski had promised improvements in this area. The relevant department of the district administration is in contact with Horst Müller regarding this matter, and a more user-friendly format and an overview of the pass’s features are expected to be available soon.

There is also an update regarding the proposed bus stop closer to Globus. The bus company has commissioned an external firm to assess the feasibility of the project, as no concrete agreement has yet been reached with the parties involved. The chairperson is overseeing the process and will provide further updates on this matter.

The next meeting of the Inclusion Advisory Board will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Glaskastenbüro at Georg-Maus-Straße 2; the next meeting of the Inclusion Advisory Board will take place on August 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the city administration’s conference room.