Barrier-free access to open child and youth work services

Together with the Saale-Betreuungswerk der Lebenshilfe Jena gGmbH (SBW), the city of Jena is expanding the inclusion project "Einfach Wege gehen". The aim is to make the services offered by open child and youth work (OKJA) accessible and give young people with disabilities easier access to leisure and educational activities.

In the first project phase from 2018 to 2021, the SBW created a low-barrier website with a district map in plain language, focusing on the Lobeda district, which makes leisure, educational and residential offers visible and provides orientation. The project promotes participation and brings people with and without disabilities together in everyday life. Click here for the website: https://einfach-jena.de/

This service is now being extended to children's and youth work facilities throughout Jena. Plans include test groups, video clips on the individual facilities, workshops on easy language and advice on how accessibility can be implemented locally. Representatives from the city and the SBW met with project partners today for the kick-off event at the Westside youth center.

"We are very pleased about the continuation of the project. Inclusion is neither achieved by looking the other way nor by simply judging, but through transparency and cooperation,"

emphasizes Sabine Jahn, Managing Director of the Saale-Betreuungswerk of Lebenshilfe Jena gGmbH.

"There are barriers - but there are also many good solutions on the ground. We are making both visible. This enables people with disabilities to better decide how they want to use services and what support they may need. At the same time, facilities receive concrete suggestions for further steps. Our aim is not to make major changes overnight, but rather to provide comprehensible changes and impetus in everyday life that enable genuine participation."

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of Department for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate:

"Open child and youth work should be open to all young people - regardless of physical or cognitive conditions. To achieve this, it is important to know what to expect locally and what support is available. By expanding the successful 'Einfach Wege gehen' project to include services throughout the city, we are creating this transparency, removing barriers and simplifying everyday planning for families. In this way, we are promoting real participation - that is precisely our aspiration as a city."

Johannes Schleußner, Head of Department for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport:

"Diversity is not a challenge that needs to be overcome - it is a reality that enriches our society. There are already many good, innovative, creative inclusion offers in open child and youth work. But they are not always well known, sufficiently networked or accessible to everyone. It is our common mission to open up simpler paths and reduce barriers. My special thanks go to all the professionals, providers and cooperation partners who make this project possible."

Aim of the project

The aim of "Einfach Wege gehen" is to make it easier for young people with disabilities to find out
- What can I expect on site?
- Can I come alone?
- What support is available?
- Is the environment suitable for me?

At the same time, the facilities receive concrete suggestions on how they can make their services more inclusive. Inclusion is thus put into practice in everyday life.

Background

The project has a high priority in the city of Jena's youth development plan and is being implemented together with open child and youth work facilities. Workshops, participation formats with young people and a closing event are planned until September 2026. As part of the municipal social strategy, funding is provided through poverty prevention funds, thus contributing to an inclusive community.